Legal Counsel, Americas

The AIR Group was established in 1999 and is a pre-eminent manufacturer of flavored molasses (also known as ?shisha?) products and similar non-tobacco-based alternatives. The Group has business interests in over 80 countries worldwide, with significant focus on a number of key countries such as the USA, KSA, Germany, Spain, UAE and Iraq where its flagship brand, Al Fakher, is available. AIR has recently launched OOKA, a charcoal-free, capsule device in the shisha space. OOKA is initially planned for launch in select markets (incl. the UAE, the US and Germany). The Group has smaller operations in Africa, India and Indonesia.

Requirements of the role:

We are seeking a Legal Counsel based in Charlotte, NC, to support our Americas business. Reporting directly to the CORA Director, Americas you will serve as the primary legal contact for all business functions within the region. This role requires strong communication and drafting skills, a practical understanding of commercial operations, and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Assist and advise business to ensure compliance with federal, state and local requirements for product category.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage a broad range of corporate and commercial contracts.
• Manage relationships with external counsel on matters requiring specialized expertise or resources unavailable in-house.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Marketing, Procurement, R&D, Sales, and other business teams to support the launch of innovative products and services from a legal compliance and risk perspective.
• Assist the Global Legal function on regional aspects of M&A matters.
• Act as the regional lead on data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity compliance, collaborating with the global data protection counsel to draft, update, and negotiate relevant agreements and policies.
• Provide guidance to the Americas team on utilizing legal technology to address legal issues creatively and efficiently.
• Understand and support Finance and Trade teams on taxation matters, specifically those related to tobacco and related product categories.

Requirements:

• Qualified corporate/commercial lawyer licensed to practice in the US.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant legal experience, preferably including in-house experience or practical familiarity with highly regulated industries or consumer goods.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal matters into clear, actionable guidance.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously while collaborating effectively with senior management and diverse teams.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.