Legal Counsel

Job description

What to Expect As Legal Counsel – Data & Technology, you will be a key legal partner across Zero Motorcycles, with privacy, data and technology at the heart of the role. You will act as an embedded business lawyer supporting Zero Motorcycles’ connected electric motorcycles, as well as the wider organisation, helping Zero Motorcycles operate and grow with confidence with a strong data and technology foundation. Data and privacy will be a core part of the role from day one, including helping strengthen and maintain Zero Motorcycles’ underlying privacy and data governance framework. Beyond that core remit, the role is deliberately broad. Depending on your experience and interests, you may also take day-to-day ownership of one or more adjacent areas from the outset, such as IP, product-related Legal work or selected commercial matters. The exact mix can be shaped around the successful candidate and the needs of the business. We are interested in a range of profiles. You may already bring experience beyond data and privacy, or you may be looking for a role where you can combine a strong data foundation with broader in-house Legal ownership. What matters most is genuine depth in data and privacy, a privacy-by-design mindset, sharp commercial judgment and the appetite to operate broadly and take ownership. We also want someone who is genuinely interested in how technology can make Legal better, and able to contribute with AI or legal technology enabled solutions to improve the scalability of the global legal team. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role in a lean and evolving international legal function. Key Responsibilities Act as a key legal partner on data and privacy for our connected products and digital services, including rider data, apps, telematics, diagnostics, connectivity features and related customer-facing functionality. Support product, engineering and digital teams on privacy-by-design, embedding data and privacy thinking early in development rather than as an after-the-fact review, enabling the business to move, not acting as a compliance reporter. Advise on data compliance, data use cases, digital terms, DPAs, data-sharing arrangements and customer-facing product and data documentation. Help build, implement and maintain our privacy and data governance foundations, including areas such as records of processing, DPIAs, international transfer assessments, data subject rights, privacy notices, retention, vendor governance and related processes. Advise on the legal and governance aspects of cybersecurity and product-data security, working closely with Product, Engineering, IT and Security stakeholders on ownership, incident response, regulatory requirements and escalation. Advise on international data flows, data localisation, cross-border vendor and technology arrangements, and related regulatory risks affecting connected products. Support general business privacy matters in a practical, scalable way, working with other teams (e.g. IT, IT Security, HR, marketing) and engaging external counsel where appropriate. Take day-to-day ownership of one or more additional Legal areas depending on your experience, interests and the needs of the business. This may include IP, product-related Legal work or selected commercial matters, with the Global Head of Legal remaining involved for material or strategic matters. Support and, where appropriate, lead interactions with relevant regulatory and supervisory authorities on data protection, cybersecurity and connected-product matters, including coordinating responses, managing information requests and working with external counsel where specialist or local support is required. Coordinate external specialist support on data, technology and other matters within your areas of responsibility where local or specialist expertise is required. Build practical, scalable guidance and ways of working so Legal stays close to the business and internal stakeholders receive clear, commercially sensible support. Contribute to the development of LegalOps within Zero Motorcycles, where Legal work can be standardised, automated, self-served or supported through technology. Support horizon scanning for relevant EU and international regulatory changes affecting the mobility, manufacturing and technology sectors, particularly in relation to privacy, data, AI, cybersecurity and connected products. Skills and Attributes Qualified lawyer with approximately 4–7 years’ relevant experience, gained in-house and/or in private practice. We care more about capability, judgment and drive than a precise number of years and are open to candidates who demonstrate the right level of ownership and practical experience. Genuine depth in data and privacy in the context of connected products and digital services, with a privacy-by-design mindset. Able to build credibility with product, engineering and technical stakeholders and translate complex data, privacy and regulatory requirements into practical decisions. Interested in operating as a broad, business-facing in-house lawyer rather than remaining within a narrowly defined privacy specialist role. You may already bring experience in another area such as IP, product, software or commercial law, or simply have the appetite to take ownership of one. Experience with connected products, technology, software, product regulation, IP or commercial contracting is welcome but not essential. Genuinely interested in AI and legal technology, and comfortable experimenting with new tools and ways of working to improve how Legal supports the business. Comfortable engaging with regulatory and supervisory authorities and understands how to manage regulatory enquiries, information requests, investigations and other formal interactions in a calm, credible and well-coordinated manner. Strong commercial sense, with the ability to assess and advise on risk in a practical, business-oriented way without being risk-averse. High ownership and strong follow-through, with the ability to handle day-to-day matters independently and sound judgment on when to seek guidance or escalate more complex or material issues. Prior connected-product and/or e-mobility experience is a strong plus. Comfortable operating in a lean and evolving environment, where there is genuine scope to shape part of the role around your strengths and interests. Professional fluency in English is essential. English is our working language, and additional languages are a plus. Why Zero Motorcycles Zero Motorcycles, a leader and innovator in electric motorcycles and commercial powertrains, incorporates advanced technology, stunning design and commitment to environmental benefits. The EV space is growing dramatically, with Zero a leader in the two-wheel category and a rising star in powertrain applications to other OEMs electrifying sport and utility vehicles for powersport and industrial applications. At Zero Motorcycles, you’ll join a passionate, fast-growing global team with a truly international spirit. While our roots in the United States, have branched-out to Europe and stablished in The Netherlands, our team now spans across more than 10 countries, representing over 15 nationalities—and counting! We thrive in a multicultural, multilingual environment where fresh ideas are welcomed, big dreams are encouraged, and success is celebrated together. Our team is united by a shared mission and a love for what we do. Whether we're collaborating across time zones or catching up in the office, you'll find a group that’s driven, committed, and always ready to share a laugh. We value connection beyond the work itself. From office lunches and Friday drinks to spontaneous barbecues when the sun’s out, and legendary Xmas parties and team-building days, we believe in having fun while we work hard. Working with Zero Motorcycles, you’ll also have opportunities to represent us at events and trade shows—locally and internationally—if that’s something you enjoy. And as we continue to grow, so can you. We’re invested in your development and success, and we can’t wait to see where your journey with us will take you. Additionally • Competitive salary and benefits package. • Opportunities for personal and professional growth. • Inclusive and open-door culture with driven, fun colleagues. • Work in a dynamic, innovative environment leading the EV revolution.