EMEA Legal Manager

EMEA Legal Manager

Founded in 1913, Sumitomo Chemical is a global chemical company based in Japan, offering a diverse range of products globally in four sectors: Agro & Life Solutions, ICT & Mobility Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, Essential & Green Materials. The global company realizes a turnover of ca. €20 billion (22 billion USD) and employs more than 29 000 people worldwide. In Agro & Life Solutions Sumitomo Chemical is the 8th largest company, with a strong R&D focused on both conventional and biorational fields. The EMEA headquarters, Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe (SCAE), are based near Lyon in France. As part of significant investments in R&D, Sumitomo Chemical wants to strengthen its efficiency and responsiveness in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Mission

The EMEA Legal Manager is responsible for managing all legal and compliance issues arising in Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe (SCAE), the legal and compliance team and advising the companies’ directors. He/She works close with the rest of the European legal and compliance team and coordinates the implementation of legal and compliance projects and systems with the regional and global teams.

Main Accountabilities

Legal

• Be the first point of contact and trusted advisor to the local senior management teams
• Supervise and assist the work of the legal team in contractual and advisory matters
• Provide advice on all kinds of existing contracts (distribution, master services, intercompany, etc.) and interpretations of laws and regulations to senior management
• Provide advice on key projects, including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, alliances and joint development projects
• Manage dispute resolution matters and provide advice on crisis situations
• Provide internal training on legal issues
• Supervise the management of insurance policies done by the legal team
• Supervise the management of IP matters done by the legal team
• Represent the companies as their legal expert in industry associations

Risk Management

• Provide risk management support for regulatory matters in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Providing risk management support in collaboration with all departments of SCAE (Risk map, Responsible care, Certification…) and supporting EMEA Affiliates on this topic

Corporate Administration

• Supervise establishment and record of corporate documentation
• Liaising with Affiliates and Shareholders
• Managing Administrative controls of SCAE if any

Compliance

• Manage company’s policies
• Set up and implement compliance systems (including education and training around compliance issues)
• Promote compliance and compliance awareness
• Work with the Regional Legal & Compliance Office (RLCO) on compliance matters

Management

• Management of 2 team members

Required skills and profile

Knowledge

• Master’s degree in business law (or equivalent)

Languages

• English: fluent mandatory
• Any other language should be a plus

Experience & skills

• Minimum of 6 years of expertise as a Legal Manager or Senior Legal Advisor in an international company
• Experience in agrochemicals, pharmaceutical or chemicals sector is a plus
• Good planning skills and ability and willingness to work autonomously
• Strong teamwork ability

Additional information

• Contract: Short-term contract => replacement of a maternity leave.
• Location: based in Lyon
• Home Office: possible regarding internal rules
• Starting date: May 2026 =>Early January 2027

If you want to join our EMEA commercial department, please send your application in English to: recrutement@sumitomo-chemical.eu (CV + cover letter) Apply now