General Counsel EMEA – Medline

Our Client

Our client Medline is a leading global healthcare company providing medical and surgical supplies throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Medline conducts business in over 27 European countries, where the company is growing rapidly, and invests heavily in manufacturing and distribution facilities, as well as in their people. Today in EMEA, Medline has more than 1,700 employees to support the sales network, manufacturing and distribution. With their high-quality medical products to healthcare providers and end users, the company improves patient care and people’s quality of life.

On behalf of Medline, we are currently seeking a General Counsel (GC) to drive legal, governance, and compliance matters across our EMEA business. In this crucial role, you’ll provide expert legal advice, manage risk, and ensure Medline continues to thrive in a regulated environment.

The Position

As GC, you’ll be a key member of the European Management Team, acting as a true business partner. You will lead the Legal & Compliance team, which includes: a Senior Compliance Officer (dotted line), two Legal Counsels, a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Offer practical legal advice to support corporate initiatives while managing risk and compliance.
• Lead and develop the in-house Legal & Compliance team to provide high-quality support across departments.
• Ensure robust compliance programs and handle dispute resolution, litigation, and strategic transactions, including M&A.
• Draft and negotiate complex business contracts and oversee routine contract management.
• Stay updated on new legislation and develop proactive legal risk management strategies.
• Manage crisis situations to protect company interests.
• Promote efficiency through templates, databases, workflow automation, and standard processes.
• Control the Legal & Compliance budget, anticipate legal service demands, and evaluate resource needs.
• Represent Medline in dealings with regulators, law firms, and industry associations.
• Participate in the global ESG steering committee for EMEA.

The Profile

• A law degree from a European university and > 10 years PQE in an international business environment; an MBA is a plus.
• Expertise in corporate and commercial law, particularly in the medical device industry.
• Strong judgment, analytical skills, ability to develop legal strategies.
• Commercial acumen and practical problem-solving abilities.
• High professional ethics and integrity, with the ability to build trust with key stakeholders.
• Organizational and leadership skills to motivate and drive team performance.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages (e.g., French or German) are a plus.

The Offer

Being part of a company focused on patient care and enhancing the quality of life. Medline offers flexible working options for a healthy work-life balance. You are encouraged to also work partly from HQ in Arnhem to stay involved with colleagues and internal customers. Medline is located at the WTC, directly at the train station in Arnhem. There are ample training opportunities to support your professional development.