Global Corporate Counsel

Who We AreFueled by passion, KAYALI was founded in 2018 by beauty mogul and fragrance fanatic, Mona Kattan. Translating to ‘my imagination' in Arabic, KAYALI provides a modern fragrance experience inspired by Mona's rich Middle Eastern heritage and the art of layering scents to help you create your mood; where sharing scents is a ritual and smelling good is both an act of goodwill and self-love. Mona collaborates with some of the world's most renowned perfumers and sources the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. Each luxurious fragrance is an ode to true craftsmanship and tells a special story, from the addictive notes to the multi-faceted jeweled bottles.Our MissionTo make everyone feel like the diamond they are! To build a global community of fragrance lovers through the power of scent and by providing them with the most innovative & luxurious fragrances, education and sharing our Middle Eastern fragrance rituals with the world.SummaryThe Legal & Compliance (L&C) function at KAYALI plays a strategic role in enabling sustainable growth by embedding robust governance, statutory discipline, and risk management frameworks across the organisation. As the company continues to scale across the UAE and international markets, Legal & Compliance ensures that expansion, innovation, and commercial execution are underpinned by sound corporate structuring, statutory compliance, and strong internal controls.We are seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to lead corporate matters, governance, entity management, and enterprise-wide compliance frameworks across the UAE and global structure. The role will oversee all corporate entities, ensure adherence to UAE federal and emirate-level statutory requirements (including free zone obligations where applicable) and, as may be applicable to KAYALI operations globally, align governance processes with shareholder expectations and long-term strategic objectives.The successful candidate will operate as a trusted advisor to all employees, strengthening governance maturity, statutory readiness, and scalable compliance systems that support responsible, risk-aligned growth.This position is grounded in KAYALI's values and is expected to champion a culture of kindness, accountability, responsibility, and collaborative support across the organisation.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesCorporateLead management of all UAE mainland and free zone entities, as well as international subsidiaries, ensuring full compliance with applicable corporate laws and statutory obligationsUndertake comprehensive legal due diligence in connection with new market entries, ensuring all corporate transactions are structured and executed in full compliance with applicable local law requirementsOversee licensing, renewals, statutory filings, Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) requirements, and coordination with relevant UAE authorities and international counterpartsManage corporate structuring initiatives including new entity formation, re-domiciliations, cross-border expansion, mergers, restructurings, and liquidationsMaintain statutory records, board documentation, shareholder registers, resolutions, and governance documentation in line with UAE Companies Law and international best practiceSupport board governance processes, including preparation of board materials, resolutions, and corporate approvalsStrengthen entity governance frameworks in line with shareholder agreements and group structure requirementsCompliance & Risk ManagementDevelop and enhance enterprise-wide compliance frameworks aligned with UAE statutory requirements and international standardsDraft, implement, and monitor internal policies including Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, AML/KYC procedures, Delegation of Authority, Gifts, and related governance policiesEnsure compliance with UAE economic substance requirements, UBO reporting, data protection obligations, and other statutory requirementsLead internal investigations and provide risk-based legal guidance to leadershipPrepare compliance reports and statutory submissions for auditors and shareholdersCoordinate with charities, banks, auditors, authorities, and external counsel on compliance and governance mattersFinance, ESG & Strategic TransactionsAct as legal partner to Finance on corporate, treasury, tax, audit, and financial governance mattersSupport financing transactions, review and negotiate related documentation, and advise on risk allocationOversee ESOP governance documentation, cap table integrity, and shareholder record managementSupport implementation of sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks in alignment with evolving global standardsAdvise on governance aspects of strategic transactions, joint ventures, and cross-border commercial arrangementsReal Estate, Disputes & Knowledge ManagementOversee lease agreements, property documentation, and related risk management within the UAE and internat