Senior Legal Counsel

Why This Senior Legal Counsel Role Demands Your Attention

The legal profession in Europe is witnessing a tectonic shift as traditional FMCG giants reinvent themselves into agile, technology-driven organizations. Landewyck, a 100% independent, family-owned Luxembourgish company with over 175 years of history, is at the forefront of this transformation. Their search for a Senior Legal Counsel in Hollerich, Luxembourg, is not just another LinkedIn vacancy—it represents a rare opportunity to join a heritage brand navigating the complex world of tobacco, vaping, CBD, and nicotine pouches.

"Within a dynamic environment towards more reduced risk products, we have embarked on an innovative journey to further strengthen our position in Europe, to grow worldwide and to enter new nicotine categories." — Landewyck

For legal professionals aiming to pivot into the corporate world, this role offers a unique blend of commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, and cross-border advisory work. It is positioned at the intersection of law, business strategy, and public health policy—a combination that few in-house roles can match. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the position, the company, and how to position yourself as the ideal candidate.

The Real Work: Commercial Contracts and Regulatory Compliance at Landewyck

Landewyck's Senior Legal Counsel is not a back-office paper-pusher. Instead, the role is a coordination reference point for all group companies, ensuring legal compliance while enabling business continuity. The official responsibilities paint a picture of a dynamic, high-exposure position:

• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts across sales, promotional, distribution, and manufacturing agreements, as well as NDAs, intercompany agreements, and finance agreements
• Providing ongoing business support on contract renewals, amendments, and terminations
• Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, internal governance standards, and operating procedures
• Coordinating with the Head of Legal and Legal Officer to deliver legal opinions, especially on marketing and promotional matters
• Managing the contract management workflow alongside the Legal Officer and Legal Assistant
• Monitoring legal and regulatory changes affecting local entities and coordinating evidence searches
• Driving continuous improvement of legal processes, including leveraging the recently established Legal AI tool
• Drafting emails, legal opinions, statements, and reports on regular and ad hoc basis

What sets this role apart is the explicit mention of AI integration. Landewyck is not afraid to modernize its legal function, meaning the successful candidate will shape how technology and legal expertise coexist. That forward-thinking approach signals a company that values innovation and efficiency—qualities increasingly vital for in-house counsel in any industry.

The Candidate Profile: How to Position Yourself for Landewyck

Landewyck has outlined a very clear profile. Let's dissect each requirement and translate it into actionable advice for your application:

• Master of Law or similar completed education — A solid academic foundation is non-negotiable. Luxembourg recognizes both civil law and common law degrees, but ensure your qualifications are easily verifiable.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a commercial environment — This is a senior role, so you must demonstrate tangible experience drafting and negotiating contracts, ideally in an in-house capacity. Highlight specific deal values and outcomes.
• FMCG background preferred; regulated categories a plus — If you have worked in tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, or any highly regulated sector, emphasize that. If not, showcase your ability to thrive in complex regulatory landscapes.
• Experience as an in-house lawyer in an international environment — You need to prove you can handle multi-jurisdictional matters and work with cross-functional teams across borders.
• Fluent English mandatory; German/French or any other international language a strong advantage — English is the working language, but given Landewyck's Luxembourgish base and European reach, French and German will give you a competitive edge.
• Proven knowledge of Civil, Commercial, Competition, Transport and EU law — Brush up on core EU regulations, especially those affecting product marketing and distribution. Familiarity with the Tobacco Products Directive is a definite plus.
• Ability to work pragmatically and provide actionable legal advice — Corporate stakeholders hate ambiguous legal opinions. Showcase examples where you delivered clear, business-friendly solutions under time pressure.

"Proven ability to work pragmatically and in time to provide the relevant stakeholders with legal advice that the business can work with immediately." — Job description

What It Means to Work in Luxembourg's FMCG Legal Sector

Luxembourg is traditionally known as a financial and investment fund hub, but its legal market is far more diverse. The country's central location in Europe, its multilingual workforce, and its business-friendly environment make it a magnet for multinational corporations. For a legal counsel, working in Luxembourg means exposure to cross-border transactions, sophisticated regulatory frameworks, and high-level corporate governance.

Landewyck, being a family-owned company, offers a distinct culture compared to the globalized conglomerates. There is a sense of belonging, long-term perspective, and the ability to genuinely influence company decisions. Moreover, the tobacco and nicotine industry is undergoing rapid evolution, with harm reduction and alternative products becoming the mainstream. Legal counsel in this space do not just manage risk; they help build the future of public health policy and consumer choice—making this role intellectually stimulating and socially impactful.

Application Strategy and Interview Preparation

To maximize your chances, follow this strategic roadmap:

• Tailor your CV to mirror the keyword density of the job posting—commercial contracts, in-house, FMCG, EU law, regulatory compliance, etc. Use measurable achievements.
• Cover letter approach: Write a compelling narrative that connects your past experience to Landewyck's specific regulatory challenges. Mention your comfort with AI-driven legal processes.
• Prepare for competency-based interviews: Expect questions about handling a complex contract negotiation, managing a regulatory crisis, and advising stakeholders under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate your language skills—even if the job only requires English, showcasing conversational French or German in your interview will set you apart.
• Research the company deeply: Understand Landewyck's product portfolio, its move into reduced-risk products, and its European expansion strategy. You'll be expected to speak the business language fluently.

The application process itself is straightforward: apply through the LinkedIn job posting. Since the company mentions that all applications are treated in the strictest confidence, you can expect a discreet recruitment process. The posting also notes that a criminal record no. 3 (for Luxembourg) will be requested, so be prepared for background verification.

FAQs

1. Is this role open to candidates outside Luxembourg?

Landewyck does not explicitly restrict applications by nationality, but the role is based in Hollerich, Luxembourg. Non-EU candidates will need to verify visa and work permit eligibility. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of German/French is a strong advantage, so international candidates with EU experience are well-positioned.

2. What is the salary range for this Senior Legal Counsel position?

The LinkedIn posting does not disclose a salary range. Compensation is described as competitive and includes a benefits package. In Luxembourg, senior legal counsel roles typically range from €90,000 to €140,000 per annum, but final offers depend on experience and qualifications.

3. How important is FMCG experience for this job?

FMCG experience is preferred but not mandatory. What matters more is your ability to handle commercial contracts and navigate highly regulated sectors. If you lack direct FMCG exposure, highlight your experience in any regulated industry—pharma, food, chemicals, or international trade—and your knowledge of EU law.

4. What makes this role different from a typical in-house counsel position?

This role stands out for its hybrid nature: it combines operational contract management, regulatory monitoring, and strategic governance coordination. The explicit involvement with a Legal AI tool signals that Landewyck wants someone who is forward-thinking in legal operations, not just a traditional conservative counsel. If you are looking for a role where you can shape legal tech processes, this is an exceptional opportunity.