Senior Legal Counsel / Responsable Juridique Senior - France & Benelux

Your Next Career Move: Senior Legal Counsel for France & Benelux at P&G

Procter & Gamble, the global consumer goods powerhouse behind Ariel, Pampers, Gillette and Oral-B, is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its Europe Legal Department. This is not just another legal position; it is a strategic, high-impact role based at P&G's French headquarters near Paris, covering France, Belgium and the Netherlands. For lawyers who want to move beyond routine contract review and become true business partners, this opportunity offers a rare platform to shape decisions across commercial, competition and employment law while sitting on one of the most recognized in-house legal teams in Europe.

You will act as a trusted strategic advisor, partnering closely with Brand, Sales, and HR teams on key legal and compliance topics that directly support business growth.

The role is deliberately broad. You will advise on commercial contracts and competitive matters, support the HR function on employment and labor law, and collaborate with stakeholders from multiple business units. The breadth of exposure is a deliberate feature: P&G wants its lawyers to develop a T-shaped profile—deep expertise in core areas and wide commercial acumen.

Inside the Dual Commercial-Employment Mandate

Most in-house roles force a choice between transactional work and employment law. This position intentionally combines them. On the commercial side, you will help marketing teams launch campaigns, review distribution agreements, and ensure compliance with consumer protection and advertising standards. On the employment side, you will accompany HR through reorganizations, collective bargaining, and day-to-day labor law questions. The FBNL context adds additional nuance because Belgian and Dutch labor law differ significantly from French law, making the role an excellent classroom for cross-border HR compliance.

For lawyers interested in the evolving world of corporate compliance, this mix offers a practical foundation. You will not only interpret law but also translate it into business-oriented solutions. The job description emphasizes risk analysis and common sense—two qualities that distinguish high-performing in-house counsel from purely technical lawyers.

Why Procter & Gamble's Legal Team Is a Career Accelerator

P&G has long been regarded as one of the best training grounds for future legal leaders. The company's legal department operates at the intersection of marketing, supply chain, technology, and human resources. Joining the FBNL team means working directly with the Senior Director & Assistant General Counsel and gaining visibility with senior leadership across Europe. You will collaborate with leading external law firms, giving you insight into how external counsel elevate complex issues. Over time, P&G encourages movement across legal domains—antitrust, commercial, employment, advertising, and compliance—allowing you to build a versatile portfolio that is highly attractive for future General Counsel roles.

• Exposure to multiple legal areas in a single role
• Cross-border coverage of three sophisticated legal systems
• Direct coaching from senior in-house leaders
• Opportunities to coach and mentor junior legal talent
• Interaction with premier external law firms

Who Should Apply: The Ideal Candidate Profile

The eligibility criteria reflect what P&G values in legal professionals. A Master's degree (Bac+5 or above) is the baseline, but true distinction comes from proven experience. Backgrounds in consumer goods, retail, or sectors with high-volume advertising are preferred. Strong foundations in commercial law and employment law are essential. The ability to juggle both requires a calm, practical mindset. Fluency in French and English is non-negotiable, and Flemish/Dutch is a plus because of the Benelux territory. Crucially, P&G looks for lawyers who can apply legal professional knowledge very practically and strategically—a hint that they value business judgment over academic perfection.

Compensation, Benefits, and Work-Life Balance

While P&G does not disclose a salary range in the job posting, it promises a competitive package, reviewed annually, complemented by a variable bonus known as the STAR program. Benefits include remote work flexibility (one day per week initially, later two days), 25 days of paid leave plus two extra days, 13 RTT days, bridge days, a savings plan, profit-sharing, health insurance, transport reimbursement, a meal card, an on-site restaurant, and a gym. For experienced legal professionals, this package reflects both performance-based reward and a genuine commitment to well-being.

From Day 1, you'll be at the core of legal activities, lead initiatives, take ownership and responsibility.

How to Position Your Application for Success

Given the high volume of applicants (the posting already shows over 200 candidates), your application must tell a compelling story. Start by tailoring your CV to the dual commercial-employment remit. Use your bullets to show measurable outcomes—contracts negotiated, reorganizations handled, or risk frameworks implemented. Since the role calls for FBNL exposure, mention any experience with French, Belgian, or Dutch law. In your cover letter (or LinkedIn note), demonstrate that you understand the consumer goods industry and its regulatory pressures, such as advertising law and product liability.

Prepare for the famous P&G online assessments and interviews by practicing analytical reasoning and situational judgment. Emphasize cases where you balanced legal risk with commercial objectives. Show that you can build trust with non-lawyers, because the job description repeatedly mentions partnering with Brand, Sales and HR teams. If you are coming from a law firm, highlight client-facing work and any in-house secondments. If you are already in-house, emphasize your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Career Trajectory After EMEA Legal Roles

Lawyers who succeed at P&G often move into broader regional or global legal roles. The FBNL Senior Legal Counsel position can be a stepping stone to a Senior Director or Assistant General Counsel role. The legal industry increasingly values in-house experience at multinational companies; P&G alumni are found in leadership positions across the corporate world. By joining this team, you also build a network of legal professionals who share best practices across markets and functions. This is an opportunity not just for a job, but for a long-term career in international legal management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the actual work location for this role?

A: The head office is in the Paris area, specifically Asnières-sur-Seine. The role is in-office at the France headquarters, with up to two days of remote work per week after the initial six months.

Q: Does P&G require Dutch or Flemish language skills?

A: Fluency in French and English is required. Dutch/Flemish is a significant advantage because the role covers Belgium and the Netherlands, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

Q: Is this role suitable for junior lawyers or fresh graduates?

A: No. The title is Senior Legal Counsel and the job description asks for proven experience as a lawyer, either in-house or in a law firm. Junior lawyers should look for P&G's entry-level legal programs or internships.

Q: How do I apply for this position?

A: Applications are handled through the Procter & Gamble careers portal. The LinkedIn job posting provides an application button, but it is always wise to check P&G's official careers website for the same requisition number (R000150666) to ensure your application is routed correctly.