Head of Legal and Compliance - EIT Manufacturing

About EIT Manufacturing:

EIT Manufacturing is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. To find out more, please visit

EIT Manufacturing is the leading pan-European community fostering innovation in manufacturing through a unique active ecosystem. With 200+ partners, EIT Manufacturing connects businesses, startups, academia and research institutions to make innovation happen.

EIT Manufacturing now invites applications for the position of

Head of Legal and Compliance – EIT Manufacturing

Full-time position at EIT Manufacturing ASBL (ASBL) located in either France, Belgium, Spain, Germany or Italy.

About the position:

The Head of Legal and Compliance is a senior leadership position reporting to the COO. The role is responsible for ensuring that EIT Manufacturing and its subsidiaries operate in full compliance with European, national, and association laws and governance, while providing strategic legal advice and guidance to management and operational teams.

This position requires a highly structured, process-driven leader with strong expertise in European law, contractual European law, and French corporate/association law. The successful candidate will combine strategic oversight with operational rigor, leading the Legal & Compliance team and ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of transparency, compliance, and efficiency.

Missions and key Accountabilities:

1. Legal & Corporate Governance

• Oversee all legal aspects related to the Association, including its governance bodies (e.g. Partner Assembly, Supervisory Board).
• Advise on and ensure compliance of the by-laws and statutes with operational processes.
• Manage the legal framework of the Association, its commercial arm, and its foreign subsidiaries.
• Serve as primary legal advisor to the CEO and COO.

2. Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve compliance processes, frameworks, and monitoring mechanisms across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe grant principles, EIT regulations, and other EU funding rules.
• Oversee data protection (GDPR) compliance and act as key contact for related matters.
• Coordinate with external experts and specialized lawyers (IP, GDPR, tax, corporate, equity, European regulatory matters).
• Ensure alignment of governance frameworks with emerging AI regulations, standards, and ethical principles.
• Conduct and/or manage internal audits and compliance reviews, including the design of audit plans, risk-based assessments, testing of internal controls, and evaluation of compliance with EU regulations, funding requirements, and internal policies.

3. Procurement & Contract Management

• Lead all procurement activities in line with European institutional procurement regulations (tenders, RFPs, negotiations, supplier contracts).
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements (MoUs, NDAs, partnership arrangements, service agreements, SAFE instruments, etc.).
• Provide legal support for funded projects and financial sustainability mechanisms.
• Oversee the contract lifecycle, including interpretation, enforcement, and management of the legal commitments database.
  

4. Cross-functional Legal Support

• Provide legal guidance to internal teams on calls for proposals, reporting, financial and budget management, and risk management.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure operational activities align with legal and compliance requirements.

5. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the Legal & Compliance team, ensuring effective task allocation, staff development, and career planning.
• Oversee performance management and development of the team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, and professional growth.

Profile:

Essential

• Significant professional experience in legal and compliance management within an international or EU-funded context.
• Expert knowledge of European law and EU institutional frameworks.
• Strong expertise in contractual European law, including procurement and grant agreements.
• Solid knowledge of French corporate and association law.
• In-depth knowledge of GDPR and data protection compliance.
• Good command of commercial law (contractual and operational aspects).
• Proven experience in managing legal teams and compliance processes.
• Strong working knowledge of Horizon Europe grant principles and EU funding regulations.
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written); working knowledge of French is a strong asset.

Desired

• Experience working with an EIT KIC or similar EU-funded association.
• Experience in conducting or managing internal audits and compliance reviews.
• Hands-on experience auditing and updating compliance frameworks for EU-funded associations.
• Familiarity with risk management and compliance tools.

Personal Attributes

• Highly structured, process-oriented, and efficient.
• Direct communicator with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• High ethical standards and commitment to transparency, compliance, and integrity.

We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working environment
• Diverse team with colleagues from all over the world
• Strong network across manufacturing, academia, and startups in Europe.
• Opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
• Meaningful work with a focus on sustainable innovation.

Location:
The role can be based in France, Belgium, Spain, Germany or Italy

Equal opportunities:

EIT Manufacturing values diversity and applies policies of equal opportunities. We welcome applications without discrimination, on any grounds. Candidates considering their interests having been prejudiced by a decision in a selection process may request a review of, or launch an appeal against, the decision adversely affecting them.

Selection Committee:

A Selection Committee will be appointed to carry out the evaluation of applications submitted. Please note that the Selection Committee´s internal proceedings are strictly confidential.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Candidates may be asked to provide proof of qualifications, background, skills, and experience by providing relevant documents.

Protection of personal data:

Candidates’ personal data are processed as required by Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). For more information, please check the privacy statement on recruitment available Privacy Notice.

Closing date is October10 th , 2025

Please join us on this exciting journey. Send us your application now!