Assistant General Counsel

About Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 19 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

Role Overview

The Assistant General Counsel serves as the primary legal business partner for the UK & Ireland and Mediterranean & CEE Operating Units within MVH Europe. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, the role provides pragmatic, strategic, and high-quality legal advice across a broad range of matters, enabling business growth, transformation, and innovation while ensuring compliance and effective risk management across multiple jurisdictions.

As a key member of the Legal function — comprising Legal Affairs, Compliance, and Risk & Insurance — the role works closely with regional and global legal colleagues and cross-functional stakeholders to support business priorities in alignment with Mars’ Five Principles and governance standards.

The position is accountable for delivering and continuously strengthening legal support infrastructure, including internal capability and external advisor networks, to ensure timely and effective legal guidance. It acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, helping to balance commercial objectives with legal and reputational risk across a complex European footprint.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Strategic Support

· Provide proactive, solution oriented legal advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives, supporting growth and transformation initiatives across MVHE, with particular focus on the UK/Ireland and MED & CEE regions.

· Identify, assess, and escalate legal risks appropriately, working closely with the Associate General Counsel on higher risk or strategically significant matters.

· Provide expert counsel on a broad range of legal matters, including commercial, employment, corporate governance, competition law, real estate, M&A and integration activity, data protection, and regulatory matters relevant to MVH's veterinary operations.

Cross Jurisdictional Coordination

· Coordinate legal support across multiple countries within and beyond the assigned Operating Units, ensuring consistency with local laws, Mars values and global standards.

· Instruct and manage local external counsel as required, ensuring effective cost control and quality of advice.

Governance & Compliance

· Partner with key stakeholders to ensure effective governance frameworks, corporate housekeeping, and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.

· Partner with Compliance, Risk & Insurance, and other functions to support regulatory compliance and internal control frameworks.

Regulatory & Policy Monitoring

· In collaboration with Corporate Affairs and Public Affairs, monitor and influence relevant legal and regulatory developments impacting MVHE's operations, in the UK/Ireland and MED & CEE regions and beyond.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Build strong, trusted relationships with local and regional business leaders, functional partners, and Legal colleagues.

· Act as a key point of contact and trusted business partner for legal matters within the assigned Operating Units, while maintaining close alignment with the Associate General Counsel.

External Counsel & Budget Management

· Manage relationships with external counsel supporting the assigned regions, focusing on quality, value, cost-control and mutuality.

· Support OU-level and central function legal cost budget planning and management.

Talent Development & Collaboration

· Support legal capability building and functional excellence for MVH in Europe and contribute to Legal talent development and community-building across MVH and greater Mars.

· Support the development and mentoring of junior legal team members where applicable and collaborate closely with Legal colleagues across Europe and globally.

Summary of the Role

• Job Title : Assistant General Counsel

• Department: Legal

• Team Direct Reports: 4

• Reports To: Associate General Counsel

• Location: Amsterdam / Solihull / Madrid / Stockholm

• Contract: Full-time

• Languages: Fluency in English (additional European languages are a plus)

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum qualifications:

· Master of Laws (LL.M.), or equivalent law degree from an accredited university in Europe.

· Significant experience (typically 10 + years) in legal roles, in law firms and in-house (ideally combination of both), advising senior leadership teams.

· Qualified lawyer in a European common law or civil law jurisdiction

Essential qualifications:

· Proven experience in managing complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions within Europe.

· Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to lead a team of legal professionals.

· Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

· Ability to balance legal considerations with business priorities and drive strategic decision-making.

· Strong ethical standards, with a commitment to integrity and compliance.

· Ability to work under pressure, handle ambiguity, and manage competing priorities with pragmatism and business acumen

Preferred experience:

· Experience in healthcare, veterinary services, or a similarly client-focused and highly regulated service industry.

· Knowledge of European laws and regulations governing the veterinary industry.

· Demonstrated experience familiarity with several of the following: Competition law, Employment law, M&A, Litigation, Corporate/Corporate governance and Real Property law.

Our offer:

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package

• A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

• Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence

• Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment

• Learning and development opportunities

• The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.

• We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs.

If this sounds like you

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.