Legal Counsel

Are you an experienced Legal Counsel who enjoys working at the intersection of law and business? Do you have extensive experience with commercial contracts and thrive in a dynamic, commercial environment? Then this is your opportunity to join HEINEKEN Netherlands and support our craft breweries, growing portfolio, and commercial organization.

In this role, you will work on a broad range of legal matters, including commercial contracting, consumer law, product compliance, food law, and responsible marketing. You will act as a trusted legal business partner, helping stakeholders navigate legal risks while identifying commercially viable solutions.

As Legal Counsel HEINEKEN Commerce (Craft & Beyond Beer), you will be the legal point of contact for various parts of HEINEKEN Netherlands. You will work closely with commercial teams, craft breweries, supply chain stakeholders, and senior management, providing practical and business-oriented legal advice.

Your responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements, including hospitality, sponsorship, licensing, partnership, and marketing contracts;
• Supporting commercial negotiations, procurement activities, and strategic business initiatives;
• Advising craft breweries on legal matters related to supply chain, quality, innovation, procurement, marketing, and compliance;
• Drafting and negotiating contracts covering manufacturing, procurement, logistics, delivery, quality, and service-related activities;
• Providing pragmatic legal guidance while balancing commercial objectives with legal and compliance risks;
• Reviewing commercial communications and promotional activities for compliance with relevant laws and regulations;
• Advising on advertising compliance, including Dutch advertising codes and responsible marketing requirements;
• Supporting product innovation projects, new product launches, and portfolio development initiatives;
• Advising on matters such as labeling, packaging, ingredients, nutritional information, and product claims;
• Translating complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for business stakeholders.

• Monthly salary between €9,000 and €10,850 gross;
• 12-month assignment starting 1 November 2026;
• Full-time position (40 hours per week);
• Hybrid working environment with offices in Leiden and Amsterdam;
• Opportunity to work closely with senior business stakeholders across a leading international FMCG organization;
• Exposure to a broad range of commercial, consumer, regulatory, and compliance matters.

HEINEKEN is one of the world's leading brewers, with a diverse portfolio of international and local brands. Within the Legal Affairs team, you will support the commercial organization and craft brewery business while contributing to innovative products, responsible marketing initiatives, and a rapidly evolving portfolio.

You will join a collaborative legal team that works closely with the business, providing practical advice and helping the organization make well-informed commercial decisions.

Must-Haves

• Master's degree in Dutch Law;
• Minimum of 8 years' experience within commercial legal practice;
• Extensive experience with commercial contracts and legal business partnering;
• Strong knowledge of contract law, consumer law, product compliance, food law, and related legislation and regulations;
• Ability to independently manage complex legal matters and take ownership of key projects;
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills;
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and practical way to non-legal audiences;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

Nice to Have

• Experience advising FMCG, food & beverage, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, or commercial organizations;
• Experience supporting product innovation and product launch initiatives;
• Knowledge of advertising and marketing compliance;
• Experience working in a matrix or international corporate environment.

Are you the Legal Counsel who can support HEINEKEN's craft brewery and commercial business while balancing legal expertise with commercial insight? We'd love to receive your application.