Legal Counsel (m/f/d) at METRO Markets GmbH

METRO Markets GmbH, the digital B2B marketplace arm of the METRO Group, is looking for a Legal Counsel (m/f/d) to join its international legal team in Düsseldorf on a 12-month contract. This is not your typical in-house role – it sits at the intersection of law, technology, and cross-border commerce, offering a rare chance to shape compliance frameworks for a fast-growing digital platform. If you are a legal professional with a passion for regulatory work and a desire to make a tangible business impact, this is an opportunity worth your attention.

Why This Role Matters in the New World of Online Trade

The European Union has unleashed a wave of regulation that directly affects online marketplaces. The Digital Services Act (DSA), the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), and evolving consumer protection laws are rewriting the rulebook. Companies like METRO Markets need legal professionals who can translate these heavy regulations into practical processes, not just legal memos. That is exactly what this role is designed to do.

“You will catch legal and regulatory risk before it becomes a problem, and make sure new legal requirements actually get built into the business rather than sitting in a document no one reads.”

This quote from the job description captures the modern expectation of legal counsel: be proactive, operational, and commercially aware. Gone are the days when lawyers were seen as risk-averse gatekeepers. Today, they are strategic partners who enable business growth while ensuring compliance.

The Role: A Deep Dive into Core Activities

The core activities listed in the posting reveal a role that is deeply integrated into the company’s operations. You will not be confined to a corner office reviewing contracts. Instead, you will be at the centre of regulatory change, working alongside IT, Product, and other departments to implement legal requirements.

• Compliance and regulatory monitoring: Tracking new legislation such as the DSA, GPSR, and consumer protection laws, and translating them into internal legal updates and gap analyses.
• Implementation of new legal requirements: Taking new laws and turning them into actionable internal processes and policies, often working with IT and Product teams on technical implementation.
• Cross-functional communication: Breaking down complex legal matters for non-legal stakeholders and supporting internal audits and compliance checks.
• Documentation and organization: Maintaining a central compliance knowledge base and tracking deadlines for new regulations.
• Trainings: Developing and facilitating training sessions for non-legal colleagues to build a culture of compliance.
• Group Compliance and guidelines: Implementing METRO Group guidelines and fulfilling regular Group compliance tasks.

This is a role for someone who enjoys variety and can handle multiple priorities. The emphasis on training and communication suggests that the successful candidate will also act as a compliance ambassador, promoting legal awareness throughout the organisation.

Who Should Apply: Eligibility and Desired Profile

METRO Markets is looking for a professional with 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in Legal and Compliance. An LL.M. (Master of Laws) or equivalent legal qualification is required. This is not an entry-level position; you are expected to hit the ground running and manage projects independently after a short induction period.

Beyond formal qualifications, the ideal candidate will have strong analytical and organisational skills. The ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively is critical, as you will be regularly interacting with non-legal colleagues. Fluent English is a must, while German is a plus. Importantly, you must hold an EU work visa – this is non-negotiable and indicates that the role is open to international lawyers who already have the right to work in the EU.

Why This 12-Month Contract Could Be Your Career Accelerator

Fixed-term contracts are often undervalued, but they can be a powerful springboard for career growth. A 12-month stint as Legal Counsel at a major digital marketplace gives you exposure to high-profile projects and cutting-edge regulatory issues. You will work in an environment with 70+ nationalities, flexible working hours, and a hybrid setup. The company culture is described as stable and mature, yet with the agility of a product-driven team – which means you will see tangible results from your work quickly.

If you are coming from a law firm, this is an excellent opportunity to transition into the tech side of law, where the demand for regulatory knowledge is skyrocketing. The DSA and GPSR are only the beginning; similar regulations are being adopted globally, and experience with them will make you incredibly marketable.

Benefits and Perks: What’s in It for You

METRO Markets offers a comprehensive benefits package that aims to support both your professional and personal life:

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working with a flexible home office policy
• 30 vacation days per year
• Health and wellbeing support
• Metro card for shopping at discounted rates
• Company discounts with renowned brands
• Support for language learning and professional growth
• Full support from METRO Group – the mother company
• A diverse and vibrant international environment
• Attractive referral program
• Team events, MeetUps, and Tech talks

This is a package that reflects a modern employer that values work-life balance and continuous learning.

How to Apply and Stand Out

The application process is hosted on LinkedIn. To apply, you need to visit the job posting on LinkedIn and click the “Apply” button. Before you do, make sure your CV is up to date and tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with compliance, regulatory monitoring, and cross-functional communication. Use specific examples of how you have implemented legal requirements in a business context.

The recruiter is Suzanne Gallardo, Tech Recruiter at METRO Markets. Connecting with her on LinkedIn and sending a polite, personalised message can help your application get noticed. Mention your interest in the DSA/GPSR regulatory space and why you want to work in a digital marketplace.

FAQs

Is this a remote position?

No, the role is based in Düsseldorf, but the company offers hybrid working arrangements with flexible home office policies. You will be expected to work from the office for some days each week.

What is the duration of the contract?

This is a 12-month contract, as clearly stated in the job description. It is a temporary role, but it could lead to further opportunities within the group depending on business needs and performance.

Do I need to speak German?

Fluency in English is essential, while German is considered a plus. So you can still apply if you are a strong English speaker who is willing to learn German.

Are lawyers from India eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as they have an EU work visa and the required legal qualification (LL.M. or equivalent). Without an EU visa, your application will not be considered, as the company does not appear to offer sponsorship for this position.