Legal Specialist (German Speaker)

Legal Specialist (German Speaker)

Job description

Nippon Sanso is one of the leading companies in the industrial and medical gases business in Europe. Serving over 150,000 customers and 350,000 patients across 14 countries, we offer a comprehensive range of gas-based solutions tailored to sectors including healthcare, food, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, electronics, and energy among many others.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Legal Specialist to join our European legal and compliance team. Based in Madrid, this role reports directly to the European Legal Manager, also based in Madrid, and provides legal and compliance support primarily for the Nippon Sanso companies in Germany and Poland, as well as for the broader Nippon Sanso group companies across Europe.

The successful candidate will operate across multiple European jurisdictions, collaborating closely with colleagues in the European legal and compliance team to deliver high-quality, commercially focused legal advice and support. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive legal professional who thrives in an international, multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Support

Provide legal counsel to management and business units in Germany and Poland on commercial law, contract law, data protection, and regulatory matters.

Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, corporate documentation, and other legal instruments.

Support M&A activities, including due diligence, transaction structuring, and post-merger integration as required.

Provide corporate law for relevant European entities.

Collaborate with the European legal team on cross-border projects, harmonisation initiatives, and sharing of best practices.

Assist with training and awareness sessions for employees on legally relevant topics.

Compliance Support

Advise management and colleagues on compliance matters, including competition law, anti-bribery, sanctions, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Support the implementation of Group compliance policies and procedures across the relevant jurisdictions.

Assist with compliance training, monitoring, and internal investigations as needed.

Help ensure that Nippon Sanso entities operate in accordance with applicable laws and Group compliance standards.

Job requirements

Background

Strong understanding of the German legal framework, with the ability to advise competently on legal matters involving Germany.

German legal qualification (e.g., Erstes or Zweites Staatsexamen) or equivalent legal education qualifying the candidate to advise on German law would be a plus.

At least 3 years of experience in commercial or corporate law, ideally gained in-house or in a reputable law firm.

Demonstrated experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation.

Exposure to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, or M&A work is highly valued.

Experience in an international or multinational environment is a strong advantage.

Languages

Fluent English and German are mandatory (English would be the working language of the European team, and German language is essential for advising on German legal matters and communicating with German stakeholders). Any additional European language is a plus.

Required Skills

Strong business acumen with the ability to assess legal risk alongside commercial and practical considerations.

Knowledge of competition law, GDPR, anti-bribery legislation, and sanctions frameworks.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders.

Autonomous, well-organised, and able to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams.

Team player with flexibility and a collaborative mindset.

Comfortable working in an international, multicultural setting and willing to travel in Europe when needed.

Others

Availability to travel across Europe (around 15-20% of time)

Why join Nippon Sanso?

At Nippon Sanso, we’re a reliable partner for key industries, combining global expertise with a local touch to make a real difference. Guided by our commitment to sustainability, we drive innovation through cutting-edge technology and a strong R&D network. Here, you’ll have the autonomy to own your career, with the chance to work on projects that impact communities and shape a carbon-neutral future.

Discover a place where you’ll play a key role in solutions that power major industries and make a difference in everyday life. At Nippon Sanso, our technologies support countless essential processes - often behind the scenes - that keep food fresh, enhance electronic chip production, purify water, and provide critical respiratory treatments. With a solid, diversified presence across Europe, we’re a reliable and stable company dedicated to constant innovation and to creating a healthier, more sustainable future.

What we offer

Remuneration and Benefits : We offer a range of bonuses, long-term incentives, competitive salaries, which we review each year to remain competitive in the market. In addition, we have a wide range of benefits as a company, you can choose what suits you best: childcare, transport card, pension plan, sports package, health insurance, etc.

Worklife balance : We have 29 days off a year! Plus, the 24th and 31st of December.

Flexible schedule : You'll have the freedom to adjust your work hours to accommodate your personal needs and responsibilities.

Home Office Policy : With our hybrid work plan, you can enjoy working from the comfort of your home.

Diversity and inclusion : Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture, where everyone’s contribution is respected. A place where individual talent is recognised and nurtured.

Sustainability :We enable a carbon neutral world. Nippon Gases spearheads the efforts to achieving zero CO2 emissions by helping industries in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Safety first : We create a safe environment where our employees can thrive. In the past two decades, we have been honored 17 times as the safest company in Europe by the Industrial Gases Association (EIGA).

About Us

Nippon Gases is one of the leading companies in the industrial and medical gases business in Europe. We service more than 150,000 customers and have a diversified involvement in broad industries such as healthcare, food, manufacturing, metallurgy, chemical products, electronics and energy. We aim to create social value through innovative gas solutions that increase industrial productivity, enhance human well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Making life better through gas technology.

What can you expect from us?

We are an industrial company in which safety and integrity come first, as it could not be otherwise. We bet on the talent of each of our employees, creating opportunities for development and learning, as well as offering an environment of personal conciliation. Our employees are the key to achieve high customer satisfaction and be, day by day, your choice. We have a high commitment to society and respect for the environment. These values make us a great company with solid and continuous financial results.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Nippon Gases is a company committed to equality and promotes an inclusive work environment free of any type of discrimination and harassment. We believe that the diversity of talent strengthens and increases our success. We have equality policies that guarantee employability and increase opportunities for all candidates.