Legal Counsel - Customs and Export Controls Governance

Fresenius Medical Care (FME) is the world’s leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 3.9 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. We care for more than 344,000 dialysis patients and provide our products in around 150 countries. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, we have consistently achieved remarkable growth and established ourselves as a trusted brand in the dialysis market. 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: 

As a Legal counsel - Customs and Export Controls Governance, you will contribute to the legal backbone of Fresenius Medical Care’s (FME) global trade operations. In this role, you will provide legal advice on customs and export control matters globally, support the development of compliant and cost-efficient supply chains, and help integrate trade governance into our US and global processes. You will be part of the Global Trade Governance and Operations Center of Excellence (Global Legal Function) and will directly report to the Global Trade Governance Legal Director. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to international trade laws and internal policies, while driving continuous improvement and automation in trade-related legal frameworks. This is an exciting opportunity to grow within a dynamic legal environment and make a meaningful impact on Fresenius Medical Care’s global trade strategies. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Provide legal advice, counsel and guidance globally on a wide range of trade governance matters such as customs and export controls, free trade agreements, special customs regimes and related risk management issues; 
• Ensure that FME entities and affiliates operate in accordance with applicable trade governance laws and regulations, as well as applicable and relevant internal policies; 
• Support and advise on the development and optimization of supply chains and flows of goods to achieve cost optimization in accordance with global trade laws globally; 
• Support the continuous review of customs and export controls legislation and their applicability to FME business models and transactions globally; 
• Support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Global Standard Operating Procedures (GSOPs) for customs and export controls globally, providing legal guidance and review in collaboration with stakeholders; 
• Support trade automation and analytics initiatives globally from a trade governance perspective; 
• Support the collection, analysis and improvement of customs data globally; 
• Legal support and guidance in customs broker engagement and performance reviews; 
• Coordinate customs audits globally and other customs and export controls related legal matters with third parties (e.g. customs authorities, customs brokers) and/or external counsels, as well as with the Global Trade Governance and Operations team, other departments of the Global Legal Function and any other relevant FME stakeholders; 
• Support global development and customization of trainings to FME professionals involved in trade-related activities. 

EDUCATION

• Fully qualified lawyer. 

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• At least 3 years of relevant working experience with customs and export control law matters, in an international law firm and/or in-house legal department of an internationally operating company. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS  

• Proven work experience in customs, export controls and global trade, specifically with US customs and export control law related cases; 
• Ability to understand and apply complex regulatory requirements to business operations; 
• Experience with trade data and/or willingness to learn; 
• Excellent written and spoken English, additional languages (especially Spanish and German) will be considered an advantage; 
• Experience in the healthcare sector will be considered an advantage. 

SOFT SKILLS  

• A results-driven professional who understands business priorities and takes ownership to turn ideas into action;  
• Strong commitment to delivering high-quality work; 
• Team-player, with strong communication skills, a global mindset and cultural sensitivity; 
• Ability to work autonomously and remotely; 
• Innovation mindset and willingness to embrace data analytics; 
• High ethical standards and professionalism; 
• Willingness to occasionally travel.  

LOCATION  

• Role allows for a remote hybrid working model in accordance with company policies. 

The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies.

Annual Rate: $115,000.00 - $159,000.00 for Waltham, MA location

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance