Risk Management Legal Expert - Contract Negotiations & Corporate Legal Liaison (f/m/d)

We help the world run better. At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

What you’ll do

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Expert to join our team. This role involves coordinating contract negotiations, acting as a proxy for the Corporate Legal department, and liaising with external counsel as needed. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal acumen, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex legal matters efficiently and effectively. Additionally, this role requires expertise in regulatory and compliance frameworks, as well as experience in the public sector and defense.

GS2 enables business in heavily regulated markets, managing SAP’s government accreditations for compliance and critical infrastructure worldwide. GS2 understands customers’ legal and compliance risk positions and translates risk into actionable requirements, processes, and controls. Thus, this role is expected to fulfill the following tasks:

• Act as Legal Advisor within GS2 & SS&D globally
• Understand Customers’ Legal and Compliance Risks.
• Translate Legal & Compliance Requirements into actionable processes & controls.
• Enable SAP’s Legal Operations via customer and supervisory authority interactions.
• Perform Legal Governance and Risk Management.

Responsibilities

Contract Negotiations

• Lead the negotiation of complex contracts with vendors, partners, and clients.
• Draft, review, and amend contractual agreements to ensure they align with the company's legal and business objectives.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand their needs and represent them in negotiations.

Corporate Legal Department Liaison

• Act as a proxy for the Corporate Legal department in meetings and negotiations.
• Ensure that the legal department's policies and guidelines are consistently applied across all contracts and agreements.
• Facilitate communication between the legal department and other business units.

External Counsel Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on complex legal matters, ensuring their advice is integrated into the company’s decision‑making processes.
• Manage the relationship with external counsel to ensure cost‑effective and efficient legal services.

Legal Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with contracts and other business activities.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to the business to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Stay updated with changes in laws and regulations relevant to the company’s operations.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with various departments, including finance, procurement, and operations, to understand their needs and provide tailored legal support.
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes legal compliance and risk management.

What you bring

• Extensive experience (7–10+ years) in legal and compliance roles within regulated industries, defense, public sector, or related environments.
• Deep understanding of national and international legal frameworks, doctrines, and strategies.
• Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate strategic, operational, and reputational risks in complex environments.
• Familiarity with classified environments and secure information handling protocols.
• Previous experience in a corporate legal role or a law firm.
• Familiarity with industry‑specific legal issues and best practices.
• Experience managing relationships with external counsel.
• University degree from an accredited law school.
• Proven experience in contract negotiations and legal risk management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in German and English.
• Knowledge of corporate compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in legal research and drafting.
• Admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks for National Security, Corporate Governance and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of international and national legal standards relevant to corporate operations.
• Expertise in regulatory and governance frameworks relevant to national and international legal compliance.
• Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in corporate operations.
• Knowledge of corporate compliance and risk management best practices.
• Experience working within or alongside government regulatory bodies, industry‑specific compliance organizations, or defense contractors.
• Experience in developing or implementing corporate compliance frameworks tailored to regulated industries.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with senior government stakeholders, regulatory advisors, and compliance teams.
• Strong analytical skills for legal risk analysis in high‑stakes environments.
• Ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods.
• Track record of supporting strategic decision‑making through robust legal analysis and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication skills for legal briefings, risk reporting, and strategic advisories to senior leadership.
• Experience liaising with cross‑departmental teams, regulatory bodies, and external legal counsel.
• Skilled in translating complex legal issues into actionable policy recommendations.