Corporate Legal Manager (Saudi Talent)

About Daikin Middle East & Africa

Daikin Middle East & Africa, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd., is a provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration technology. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes equipment and tailor-made solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Daikin EMEA employs over 12,000 individuals across more than 59 consolidated subsidiaries and 12 major manufacturing facilities, focusing on sustainable solutions.

Role Overview

The Corporate Legal Manager (Saudi Talent) will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Al Dar Al Baida District. This full-time role serves as the primary legal business partner for Daikin Saudi Arabia and is part of the Daikin Europe Legal Team, which supports the Daikin Europe Group's activities across the EMEA region. The manager will provide comprehensive legal support to the business in Saudi Arabia and, when necessary, the wider Middle East region. This involves advising on legal, regulatory, compliance, and corporate governance matters, supporting commercial objectives, and managing legal risks effectively. The role requires collaboration with senior management, regional legal teams, and external stakeholders, and includes leading and developing the local Legal Department to foster a business-oriented legal function.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts, including sales, service, turnkey, supplier, and partnership agreements. Provide legal advice to Sales, Procurement, and Marketing on contract terms, obligations, risks, and compliance. Ensure contracts comply with local and international laws, regulations, and Daikin's internal policies.
• Corporate Governance: Monitor and advise on legal and regulatory changes in Saudi Arabia and other relevant jurisdictions to ensure compliance. Assist in implementing and managing internal compliance programs. Provide legal training on compliance, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and corporate governance.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Manage and oversee legal disputes and litigation, collaborating with external legal counsel as needed. Report to Daikin Europe * on dispute status and cooperate on strategy for efficient and cost-effective resolution. Attend meetings with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and external parties when required for legal support.
• Legal Advice and Risk Management: Provide proactive legal advice to business units to assess and mitigate legal risks. Work with business leaders to resolve legal issues, protecting company interests and fostering growth. Assist in preparing internal policies and procedures for legal risk management. Capture and interpret relevant legislation for Daikin's business activities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with finance, procurement, sales, and operations to support business in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Work with Daikin’s legal team members to ensure consistency in legal practices and alignment with company policies.
• Leadership & Management: Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to two direct reports, ensuring appropriate allocation of responsibilities and workload. Foster professional development within the team and contribute to building a high-performing Legal Department.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates should possess over 10 years of relevant experience in a corporate legal environment. The role requires a professional who can deliver legal support, strengthen corporate governance and compliance, and proactively manage legal risk while enabling sustainable business growth.

Work Environment and Culture

Daikin fosters a work environment built on trust, creativity, and continuous improvement. The company emphasizes empowering talented teams to create high-quality solutions and offers opportunities for learning and growth. Daikin is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.