Head of Legal Services (f/m/x)

At Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), legal expertise is a cornerstone of sustainable growth, sound governance, and strategic decision-making. As Head of Legal Services, you will lead a team of approximately 60 legal professionals and serve as the primary legal advisor and trusted partner to the CEO, Board of Management, and Supervisory Board. 

In a dynamic environment shaped by digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, regulatory change and geopolitical complexity, you will play a pivotal role in supporting RBI's strategic ambitions across its international footprint. 

Your role at RBI:

• Provide clear, pragmatic, and business-oriented legal counsel on complex, high-impact matters—enabling informed decisions that drive business growth while managing legal risks effectively.
• Lead and inspire a diverse, experienced legal team through senior managers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Shape and execute the strategic vision for Legal Services, ensuring alignment with RBI’s business objectives, transformation agenda, and long-term growth ambitions.
• Manage complex cross-border legal issues, with a focus on M&A, litigation, insolvency, and international business law, within a robust regulatory framework.
• Act as the executive escalation point for significant legal matters, balancing legal, commercial, and reputational considerations.
• Champion the modernization of the legal function by driving digitalization, LegalTech adoption, automation, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
• Advise senior management on the legal implications of emerging technologies and digital innovation, supporting RBI’s evolving business model.
• Represent RBI in strategic interactions with regulators, authorities, industry bodies, external counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Promote continuous development and a forward-looking mindset within the Legal Services organization. 

Your core competencies:

• University degree in Austrian Law; advanced qualifications (bar admission in Austria, LL.M., or equivalent) are advantageous.
• Extensive senior legal leadership experience in banking, financial services, or regulated industries, ideally within a regulated Austrian/European banking environment.
• Proven expertise in M&A, complex litigation, international insolvency, and international business law, supported by solid regulatory knowledge.
• Strong legal expertise navigating complex multi-national regulatory and legal frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal judgment combined with a strong business-oriented perspective—turning legal advice into actionable solutions that add tangible business value.
• Skilled in advising executive management and boards on strategic, high-stakes matters with clarity and confidence.
• Proven leadership experience managing international teams and senior leaders, with the ability to set clear priorities and drive effective execution.
• Receptive to new approaches, skilled at evaluating established practices, and focused on delivering practical solutions through till implementation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and experience in supporting and implementing development and growth cases in digital banking services, LegalTech, and Artificial Intelligence.  
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust at the highest organizational levels.
• Fluent in English; German and additional Central and Eastern European languages are a plus. 

What's in it for you: 

• A highly visible leadership role with direct exposure to RBI’s CEO, Board of Management, and Supervisory Board.
• The opportunity to shape and modernize RBI’s Legal Services function within a complex, international banking environment.
• A broad strategic agenda encompassing governance, regulation, transformation, digitalization, LegalTech, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Close collaboration with senior stakeholders across RBI Group and its international network. 

• Global community: 75+ nationalities, English as the company language, and work permit support. Find out more about international applications here.
• Career growth: We believe in continuous learning and proactive career development. Take on challenging work that stretches your abilities, attend trainings, and use new technologies to make a lasting impact.
• Flexible work week: Flexible hours and work-from-home options from Austria
• Stay healthy: Subsidized canteen, well-being programs, check-ups, and sport allowances.
• Save money: Discounts, exclusive banking terms, and a heavily subsidized public transport pass.
• Family support: Child allowances, gender-neutral parental leave, bilingual company kindergarten, and holiday childcare.
• Competitive salary: We offer a competitive remuneration package with compensation aligned to market standards, taking into account the requirements of the role and the individual profile. Further details can be discussed during the interview process.

If you have questions regarding our application process, feel free to check out our FAQ or our page for international applicants.   Your contact: Romana Holcik Executive Recruitment