General Counsel (Relocation to Malta)

Please note: this role requires full relocation to Malta and is fully on-site in Luqa, Malta.

The company:

Our client is a long-established international aviation group with over 40 years of market presence and operations across multiple jurisdictions. The organisation operates through a multi-entity structure with offices in various global locations and is currently continuing to expand its international footprint.

The role:

The General Counsel will lead the organisation’s legal function, acting as a key advisor to the executive leadership team and overseeing legal matters across a multi-entity, international structure. The role combines strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement in complex cross-border legal issues, including corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters, while supporting business growth and ensuring effective risk management across the group’s global operations.

What the company offers:

A senior leadership role within a long-established international aviation group, offering significant autonomy, executive-level exposure, and responsibility across a complex global structure. The position includes relocation support, an attractive package, and the opportunity to play a key role in a growing international organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the legal function, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development to the team.
• Design and implement legal strategies aligned with the organisation’s overall business objectives.
• Advise senior leaders and executives on legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters to support critical business decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, and industry standards across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice across a broad range of business areas.
• Draft, negotiate, and review complex international contracts, including joint ventures, partnerships, and other high-value commercial agreements.
• Establish, restructure, and manage corporate entities, maintaining strong governance both locally and internationally.
• Support business acquisitions, divestments, ownership structures, and registration requirements.
• Guide dispute resolution processes, including settlements, claims, litigation, and arbitration, while coordinating with external counsel and monitoring case progress.
• Oversee contract management processes, contribute to template development, streamline workflows, and strengthen the legal framework.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations, including sanctions and other compliance requirements.

Requirements:

• Law degree, Bachelor’s and/or Master’s
• Experience in General Counsel role / Senior in-house legal counsel, ideally in an international setting managing teams in multiple countries.
• Expertise in corporate law and international contracts, with experience in complex commercial agreements, joint ventures, partnerships.
• Experience with the aviation / transportation / logistics industries is a strong advantage.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills; able to assess risk and provide clear advice under uncertainty.
• Excellent communication and influencing ability; capable of engaging with senior leadership and stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proactive, adaptable, hands-on, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects effectively.