Legal Counsel​/Contract Manager

jobs Verified: 29 Aug 2026 Bernburg, Krakow, Leipzig, or Poing (Munich)

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Organising Institution / Firm

Avnet Business Services GmbH

Not Specified by Organiser

Not Specified

Fully qualified lawyer (German Volljurist) with 2-5 years of PQE in a law firm or in-house department. Proficiency in German and English is mandatory.

Job

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology distribution, the role of an in-house legal counsel has transcended the traditional boundaries of mere compliance and risk mitigation. Today, a Legal Counsel is a strategic business partner, a negotiator, and a catalyst for operational efficiency. The current opening for a Legal Counsel / Contract Manager at Avnet Business Services GmbH represents a quintessential opportunity for mid-career legal professionals to pivot from transactional lawyering to high-impact corporate strategy.

"We believe legal teams should enable business, not slow it down." – Avnet’s philosophy on modern legal practice.

For lawyers operating in the German jurisdiction, this role offers a unique vista. Avnet, an S&P 500 listed entity with a century-long legacy, operates at the intersection of semiconductor innovation and global supply chain logistics. As a Legal Counsel here, you are not just reviewing clauses; you are architecting the framework upon which international trade and technological advancement rest.

The transition from a law firm environment to an in-house position at a global distributor like Avnet requires a shift in mindset. You are no longer providing abstract legal opinions; you are delivering pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice. This role demands the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business steps. Whether it is navigating the intricacies of cross-border commercial agreements or managing compliance in a highly regulated semiconductor market, the successful candidate will act as a bridge between the legal department and the business stakeholders.

Key pillars of the role include:

• Strategic Contract Management: Drafting and negotiating high-stakes commercial agreements that protect the company while facilitating growth.
• Risk Mitigation Architecture: Proactively identifying legal and operational risks before they manifest into liabilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Acting as a trusted advisor to management, ensuring legal considerations are baked into the decision-making process from the outset.
• Technological Integration: Leveraging legal tech and AI-enabled tools to streamline contract life cycles and improve departmental efficiency.

For a Volljurist with 2-5 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), this position is a masterclass in corporate agility. Unlike the siloed nature of many law firms, this role offers exposure to diverse cultures, functions, and management levels. You will be working in an environment that values curiosity and innovation, where you are encouraged to challenge the status quo. This is an environment designed for those who want to take ownership from day one.

Furthermore, the emphasis on legal technology is a significant differentiator. In an era where AI is reshaping the legal profession, Avnet’s desire for candidates with experience in contract management systems and AI-enabled tools positions the successful applicant at the forefront of legal innovation. This is not just a job; it is an opportunity to build a personal brand as a tech-forward, business-savvy legal professional.

Securing a position at a global leader like Avnet requires more than just a stellar CV. It requires a demonstration of commercial acumen. When preparing for your interview, focus on these three areas:

• The Business-First Approach: Be prepared to discuss how you have previously balanced legal risks with business objectives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight instances where your…