Introduction

We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join our European Legal team in Eindhoven. In the role of Legal Counsel, you act as a trusted legal business partner supporting our Benelux Business Units and the Fishing Tackle businesses (that potentially deals with all EMEA). The support might cover the commercial side but as well General Affair functions like finance and logistics, IT, procurement etc.

You will work closely with commercial stakeholders, advising on contracts, legal risks, and business initiatives in an international and dynamic environment.

The Challenge

Act as a trusted legal business partner to assigned Business Units, delivering practical and commercially focused legal advice on day‑to‑day and complex matters. Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts (distribution, sales, procurement, services, licensing and sponsorship) and support commercial strategy and channel development (including the Fishing Tackle business). Stay up to date with relevant legislation and case law.

• Support projects and new business initiatives within the assigned business units, as well as on an ad hoc basis, by identifying and managing legal risks and contributing to the implementation of legally sound and commercially viable solutions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for legal matters within the assigned Business Units, ensuring timely delivery of legal support, proper prioritisation of workload, and accurate preparation and management of legal documentation in line with internal processes and archiving requirements. Provide targeted support on corporate housekeeping for the entities within their scope, where required.
• Drive the efficient delivery of legal services by developing and standardising contract templates, processes and workflows, and by optimising the use of legal and business tools (e.g. CLM systems, DocuSign, OneTrust, SharePoint, and Co‑Pilot).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders across Europe, including regular interaction with local teams (up to ~20% travel), primarily within the Benelux region (including Hattem, NL).
• Maintain and continuously improve contract templates and legal frameworks to ensure consistency, scalability, and business efficiency.

What are we looking for?

• You hold a Master’s degree in Law (LLM, JD, or equivalent) and have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial contracting, either in‑house and/or in a law firm, preferably in an international environment.
• You have a business‑oriented mindset and are able to translate legal advice into practical, commercially viable solutions for stakeholders.
• You are proactive, flexible, and able to self‑manage multiple priorities, working across different Business Units in parallel.
• You have excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage directly with commercial teams.
• You are fluent in Dutch (mandatory) and have a strong command of English; additional languages are considered a plus.
• Bar admission not required.
• You have an affinity with Shimano’s product portfolio and enjoy working in an international environment closely connected to the cycling and fishing tackle industry.

What do we have to offer?

Shimano and its subsidiaries offer a pleasant, informal working environment with colleagues who work well together, and are proud to work for Shimano. Next to good working conditions, Shimano offers you the opportunity to work in a responsible and challenging position within a dynamic, international and ambitious environment. Together we want to win therefore we have a strong focus on team achievement.

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