Get To Know Us

Brightwater Executive has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading Executive Search companies that has earned the reputation of providing steadfast support to senior executives who are navigating their next transition or striving to define their next career move.

Through our network and extensive database which we have cultivated for over 20 years in the Irish and International markets, we’ve successfully and continually forged genuine relationships with a wide range of senior talent and clients across all growth sectors.

Read More

What We Do

We specialise in providing:

  • Executive Search C-Suite, Director and Head of Function roles
  • Independent salary benchmarking
  • Independent interview panellists
  • INED & Chair search
  • Executive interview coaching and CV preparation
  • Interim assignments

Our Commitments

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the core of our everyday conversations for our clients, candidates and
our own team. No search process is or ever can be the same and
we treat each assignment with the 100% commitment and focus it deserves.

Current Opportunities

Back to all jobs

Head of Legal

Ref: 78632

  • Highly Competitive Remuneration Package and Bens
  • 31 Jul 2025
  • Dublin (West)
  • Permanent

Save Job
Apply Now

Job Title

Head of Legal

Brightwater Executive is delighted to be retained exclusively by our client, Re-turn, in their search for a Head of Legal.

About the Company

Re-turn is at the heart of one of Ireland’s most impactful environmental initiatives — the national Deposit Return Scheme. Since its launch in 2024, the organisation has enabled the return of over 1 billion bottles and cans, significantly reduced litter, and empowered communities to take real climate action. Backed by major industry stakeholders and driven by a not-for-profit mission, Re-turn is building a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland — and the journey is only beginning. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led team shaping the future of circular living. 

About the Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of legal will lead the development and execution of a legal strategy aligned with Re-turn’s business and regulatory goals. Acting as a trusted advisor to the executive team, they will oversee legal risk, compliance, governance, and stakeholder engagement. The role includes managing contracts, supporting board governance, and advising on commercial, employment, and regulatory matters. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a legal strategy aligned with Re-turn’s business goals and regulatory obligations.
  • Advise the CEO, CFO, and executive team on legal, compliance, and corporate governance matters.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring optimal legal and commercial outcomes.
  • Ensure compliance with Irish legislation, financial regulations, and corporate governance standards.
  • Support the board of directors and company secretary on governance best practices.
  • Lead contract negotiations and manage SLAs with suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Oversee litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters, while developing risk mitigation strategies.
  • Monitor legal and regulatory developments, advising leadership on potential impacts.
  • Engage with regulatory agencies and government stakeholders to ensure project compliance and successful delivery.

Experience/Requirements

  • Qualified solicitor with 10+ years post-qualification experience in corporate/commercial law, ideally with a producer or retailer background.
  • Proven leadership managing legal teams in-house or at top law firms.
  • Commercially savvy with strong expertise in corporate, commercial, and competition law.
  • Experienced in contract negotiation, regulatory engagement, and managing legal risk aligned with business goals.
  • Skilled communicator and strategic thinker, comfortable advising on national and EU legislation.
  • Collaborative team player with a proactive “can do” attitude and ability to navigate complex legal environments.

Remuneration Package

Highly Competitive Remuneration Package and Bens

Contact

For more information and/ or  a confidential discussion on this Head of Legal opportunity, please send your CV to Yvonne McNulty at Brightwater Executive on [email protected]

To view all live jobs with Brightwater Executive and market insights, please visit our website; www.brightwaterexecutive.com 
Save Job
Apply Now
image1_10

Client Partner Service

We match the best talent in the market for your
business.

Our Executive Search team are continuously connecting, building talent networks, and outlining individual talent information that will be able to provide you with the necessary insight into the skills, background motivations, and expectations of talent to properly assess and profile them.

We take the time to understand your organisational needs and can get a clear overview of the business, the organisational structure, the company values, goals, and culture. It is through this process that we can truly endorse talent who have the required skills, background, and experience, for your company.

We have a depth of over 20 years' experience supporting our clients both locally and Internationally with their senior talent strategies. We're proud that our clients see us as an extension of their team and successfully work with them throughout their key milestones of change, be it undergoing Organisational Restruction, Succession Planning, Digital Transformation or Scaling For Growth.

What Our Clients Say

Our Client Network

For over 20 years we have had the privilege to work and understand the talent needs of a wide and diverse client base. We work with our client Partners to build a bespoke executive search strategy that is right for you, is transparent and led by data driven insights to ensure your senior hire is the right fit for your organisation. Our client partners return to us because we have built a reliable reputation in gaining their trust and delivering what they need in a robust and timely way.

We’re Here To Help You.

We connect talented people with great companies. Join our network today.

Join Our Network

Industries Served

  • Consumer Markets (B2B and B2C)
  • Technology & Telecommunications
  • Financial Services

    Fintech / Payments | Banking | Insurance |
    Asset Management | Aviation Leasing

  • Public Sector, Not For Profit
  • Life Sciences & Healthcare
  • Professional Services
  • Industrial

    Supply Chain | Manufacturing | Utilities |
    Renewables

industry-image_03
left-image_38

Salary Survey 2023

Today’s CEO and C-Suite executive teams are business leaders, mentors and advisors. Unique challenges include ESG, diversity and talent retention. Their pay reflects the needs of the business and their wider remits so each organisation has a different executive compensation programme. Our Salary Guide for leadership in 2023 reflects a wide range of pay across a broad diverse of sectors and organisations. If you need further clarification on any of the salaries in our guide, please contact [email protected]

Download Salary Survey

Latest Blog

  • Apr 24, 2024

    Why a Lateral Move Might Be Your Career “Power Play"

    Why go sideways when the traditional path is "up"? Sometimes lateral moves are your career's best secret weapon!

    Read More
  • Dec 28, 2023

    Microeconomic effects of the Work-from-home evolution

    From house prices to pension funds, the evolution of WFH policies has had far-reaching effects.

    Read More
  • Oct 12, 2023

    2023 - A Challenging Year for M&A Activity

    We look at the M&A activity across Ireland and how regulatory changes, sector challenges, economic uncertainities and a focus on sustainability have had an impact.

    Read More
getin

Get In Touch

Contact us to today to discover the difference a relationship with Brightwater Executive can make to your professional life.