Senior Legal Counsel, Automotive (EMEA) (f/m/d)

Job Description

Automotive semiconductors sit at the center of the industry's biggest shifts — electrification, ADAS, and ever more connected vehicles — and the legal and commercial complexity is growing just as fast. This role puts you right in the middle of it.

What You'll Do:

· You'll draft, review and negotiate complex automotive semiconductor agreements — framework contracts, IP license agreements, communication documents, supply and quality agreements, cost-sharing and buffer-stock arrangements — with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

· You'll lead high-stakes commercial negotiations end-to-end — deal strategy, risk allocation (liability caps, IP indemnification), pricing mechanics — and coordinate with Sales, Finance and engineering, often under real deadline pressure.

· You'll advise on automotive-sector regulatory and compliance topics, including export control and connected vehicle regulations, and support related audits.

· You'll work closely with colleagues across EMEA, the US and APAC to build consistent contracting standards and negotiation playbooks for our automotive semiconductor business.

· You'll help shape a newly established automotive legal function from the ground up — defining how things get done, not just following a rulebook that already exists.

· You'll get direct exposure to senior sales, finance and executive stakeholders — most of what lands on your desk is high-value and high-visibility, not routine paperwork.

· You'll be a key contributor to managing Renesas' automotive legal risk, partnering with automotive team members in Europe, Asia and the US and the wider legal team.

Qualifications

What You Bring:

· You're a fully qualified lawyer (Volljurist(in)) with solid results in both German state law examinations — we care more about how you think and negotiate than about your “Prädikat”.

· 6+ years of in-house experience in the automotive sector (OEM or Tier 1), the semiconductor industry or similar business environment, ideally with hands-on experience negotiating complex, high-value supply agreements and strong international exposure.

· Profound IP and licensing knowledge is an advantage, but not essential if you are eager to learn.

· A pragmatic, hands-on mindset and strong business acumen — you're comfortable navigating ambiguity and getting deals done, not just spotting issues.

· Keen attention to detail combined with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· You can multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven negotiation environment and work effectively across time zones with colleagues in the US and APAC.

· You have good judgment about when to ask for guidance — and when not to.

· A cooperative attitude, a results-oriented approach, and a good sense of humour — multi-week negotiations go better with one.

· You're fluent in German and English, verbally and in writing, ideally with another language.

· You're at ease with the rhythms of working in a global organization.

Additional Information

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier . With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.

At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.

We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.

Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement .