Date: Jan 26, 2026 Employment Schedule: Full time Location:
Aalst, BE, 9320
Senior Legal Counsel & Head of Compliance
Ontex is a leading international provider of disposable personal hygiene solutions for all generations. With a global team of around 5,500 employees, we develop, produce and distribute in about 100 countries through leading retailers and healthcare providers. As an equal-opportunity employer, we value diversity at our company and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees.
To reinforce our Legal team we are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel & Head of Compliance.
As Senior Legal Counsel & Head of Compliance, you will be a key member of Ontex’s Group Legal & Compliance Team.
Reporting directly to the Group General Counsel, you will provide strategic legal advice to senior management on legal and compliance matters and partner with our business on strategic projects. You will be responsible for the follow-up of Ontex’s ongoing litigation and arbitration proceedings, manage external counsel relationships, and take ownership of certain of our legal operations initiatives. You will also spearhead Ontex's group-wide compliance program, lead internal investigations into breaches of our Code of Ethics, and coordinate key compliance processes, such as our internal whistleblowing system and our third-party screening tool.
You will work closely together with, and will be supported by, our Corporate Paralegal (for legal and compliance matters), our Compliance Manager (for compliance matters, and reporting to you) and our broader Group Legal & Compliance Team.
The role offers ample opportunities for personal and professional development: a high level of exposure to senior management, working on cases across our European and North American operations, in close cooperation with group functions and local teams.
The role is located in Aalst, Belgium (hybrid working policy with flexibility to work from home up to two days per week). You should expect occasional travel to our European and North American operations.
Main tasks & responsibilities
1. Providing legal advice to senior management on legal and compliance matters and on strategic projects.
2. Managing and coordinating the follow-up of Ontex's ongoing litigation and arbitration proceedings across our European and North American operations.
3. Managing external legal counsel in connection with litigation, dispute resolution and other legal matters.
4. Supporting legal operations initiatives, including the optimization of legal processes and the implementation and management of AI and other legal technology tools.
5. Developing, implementing, and overseeing the Group's compliance program, policies and procedures. This includes: assessing compliance risks and evaluating the effectiveness of compliance controls and risk management processes; driving efforts to ensure group-wide compliance in important areas such as anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, competition law, and sanctions & export controls; leading or supporting on internal investigations into potential compliance violations (including breaches of our Code of Ethics) or legal issues in order to determine facts, assess exposure, and recommending appropriate remedial actions; coordinating key processes such as our internal whistleblowing system and our third-party screening tool; coordinating compliance training and awareness programs for employees across our organization; and periodically reporting on the Group’s compliance program to senior management and to our Audit and Risk Committee.
6. Monitoring legal developments and best practices within your areas of expertise and advising on their impact on our business operations and strategy.
7. Being a trusted advisor and gatekeeper to senior management, able to work independently on cross-border matters in a multicultural environment.
Who are we looking for?
8. Master's degree in Law from a reputable university within the European Union. An LL.M. or other international experience is a strong plus.
9. At least 8 years of relevant experience in legal practice.
10. Having trained at a reputable national or international law firm is a plus.
11. Prior experience in a compliance role in a multinational corporate environment is a strong plus.
12. Experience in the FMCG or manufacturing sector is preferred but not required.
13. Fluent in English. Proficiency in Dutch or French is highly valued. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus (in view of our operations in Mexico).
14. Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.