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Job Summary
Shape the Legal Backbone of International Water Projects
We are seeking a pragmatic and experienced Senior Legal Counsel to support our European operations
In this role, you will be based in Milan at Unidro office, a key engineering entity within Nijhuis Saur Industries. Reporting directly to the Director Legal & Compliance at the headquarter in the Netherlands. You will be part of the global Legal & Compliance team and act as a trusted business partner to local management and regional leadership.
You will provide hands-on legal support across multiple jurisdictions (primarily Italy, UK, Finland, Poland and potentially France), with a strong focus on project-based business, commercial contracting and operational support. You will be closely involved throughout the full lifecycle of projects, from bid phase to execution.
Job Description:
Commercial & Projects
Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to local management and operational teams
Support project teams during pre-bid and bidding phases, including:
Reviewing and negotiating NDAs, teaming and cooperation agreements
Analysing tender documentation and identifying legal risks
Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of contracts, including:
EPC (e.g. FIDIC or NEC), construction, O&M and services agreements
Supply and partnership agreements
Support project execution by:
Disputes & Risk Management
Manage pre-contractual and contractual claims and disputes
Coordinate and instruct external counsel where needed
Ensure proactive legal risk identification and mitigation across jurisdictions
Compliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies
Support and monitor implementation of group ethics and compliance procedures
Promote a strong culture of integrity and ethical business conduct
Corporate, M&A & Strategic Support
Support M&A transactions and partnerships from a legal perspective (as relevant)
Provide assistance on integration of acquired entities and post-closing matters
Support corporate governance processes, including intercompany arrangements
Legal Operations & Collaboration
Contribute to the development and implementation of legal templates, tools and best practices
Support knowledge sharing within the Legal & Compliance team
Act as an interface between headquarter and local business teams
Job Requirements:
Qualified lawyer with approximately 5–7 years of relevant experience (law firm and/or in-house)
Strong experience in international commercial contracts and project-based environments (e.g. EPC, infrastructure, industrial projects)
Experience in multi-jurisdictional environments and decentralized organizations
Exposure to claims management, compliance and ideally M&A or corporate matters
Pragmatic, solution-oriented and hands-on mindset
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to act as a trusted business partner
Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently
Language proficiency in English and Italian, additional European languages (e.g. French, Spanish) are a plus
Working for us means
Broad, end-to-end involvement in international projects
High exposure to business and decision-making
Combination of commercial, project, compliance and strategic work
Truly international scope within a growing organization
You will receive annual salary in the range of €80,000 – €95,000 gross per year + performance bonus and comprehensive benefits, offered on a permanent contract on a full-time workweek of 40 hours.
Additional Information
This job description represents only the primary areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. Performs other duties of similar nature and level assigned.
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Our Commitment
At Nijhuis Saur Industries, we believe it is important for everyone to feel welcome. We believe that talent comes from everywhere and offer equal opportunities to all. Diversity, inclusion, and engagement are fundamental to us. Therefore, we do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment based on ethnic background, gender, age, origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected characteristics. We want you to feel safe with us and be able to be your true self.
Are you a recruiter?
Please refrain from calling or emailing us unless we have contacted you first. We intend to find our new colleagues ourselves, therefore agency support is not required. Any Profiles and resumes sent unsolicited by agencies, even if sent directly to a hiring manager, will be treated as direct applications from the candidate.
