Head of Legal

Role Purpose

Zero Motorcycles is seeking an experienced, business‑oriented Head of Legal to build and lead the company’s in‑house legal capability. This role partners closely with senior leadership to support our global business operations, ensure compliance with evolving regulatory landscapes, and manage legal risk across the company. The Head of Legal will oversee all corporate legal affairs, commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, data privacy, and governance, and will serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and executive team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Legal Function Management

Build and lead an internal legal function, aligning legal operations with business objectives

Manage external law firms efficiently; develop processes, templates, and legal operations tools.

Act as Company Secretary, supporting governance, board processes, and corporate housekeeping.

Corporate, Commercial & Contracting

Oversee and negotiate complex commercial contracts, including distribution, sales, aftermarket, technology, supply chain, and partnership agreements.

Support business partnerships, restructuring, corporate structuring, and finance-related matters

Develop global contract lifecycle processes and safeguard consistent risk management.

Regulatory Compliance & Ethics

Establish and maintain a strong compliance program across the company, covering anti‑bribery, competition law, trade law, product law, etc.

Conduct horizon scanning for relevant EU and international regulatory changes affecting the mobility, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Lead whistleblowing, ethics investigations, and compliance training programs.

Data Privacy & Technology Law

Oversee GDPR compliance, privacy-by-design in products, and manage data privacy risks

Support product development on legal aspects of connected motorcycles, digital services, software functionality, and data use.

Risk, Litigation & Quality

Lead risk assessments on new products, services, and markets.

Manage product liability, quality-related legal matters, and disputes.

Oversee litigation strategy and coordinate with external counsel.

Cross-Functional Business Partnering

Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, supporting strategic decisions.

Support procurement, R&D, engineering, commercial, human resources and finance teams with pragmatic legal guidance.

Essential

Master of Laws (LL.M) or equivalent; EU‑qualified lawyer. 

10+ years of post‑qualification experience in an international corporate environment.

Broad in‑house legal expertise across commercial, corporate, compliance, and privacy.

Experience supporting regulated industries

Experience operating in global organizations.

Preferred

Experience in US legislation is preferred.

Experience in automotive, mobility, EV, or hardware + software product companies

Exposure to product liability or manufacturing

Certification in compliance or data privacy

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability

• Business partnering and stakeholder management

• Excellent judgement and risk‑based decision‑making

• Integrity, discretion, and ownership mentality

• Ability to translate legal issues into practical solutions

• Leadership, coaching, and team‑building skills

• Strong communication skills across cultures and disciplines

Why Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles, a leader and innovator in electric motorcycles and commercial powertrains, incorporates advanced technology, stunning design and commitment to environmental benefits. The EV space is growing dramatically, with Zero a leader in the two-wheel category and a rising star in powertrain applications to other OEMs electrifying sport and utility vehicles for powersport and industrial applications.

At Zero Motorcycles, you’ll join a passionate, fast-growing global team with a truly international spirit. While our roots in the United States, have branched-out to Europe and stablished in The Netherlands, our team now spans across more than 10 countries, representing over 15 nationalities—and counting! We thrive in a multicultural, multilingual environment where fresh ideas are welcomed, big dreams are encouraged, and success is celebrated together.

Our team is united by a shared mission and a love for what we do. Whether we're collaborating across time zones or catching up in the office, you'll find a group that’s driven, committed, and always ready to share a laugh.

We value connection beyond the work itself. From office lunches and Friday drinks to spontaneous barbecues when the sun’s out, and legendary Xmas parties and team-building days, we believe in having fun while we work hard.

Working with Zero Motorcycles, you’ll also have opportunities to represent us at events and trade shows—locally and internationally—if that’s something you enjoy. And as we continue to grow, so can you. We’re invested in your development and success, and we can’t wait to see where your journey with us will take you.

Additionally

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Inclusive and open-door culture with driven, fun colleagues.
• Work in a dynamic, innovative environment leading the EV revolution.