Swatch Group In-House Legal Counsel
- Seniority
- Senior
- Department
- Legal & Compliance
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Apr 24, 2026
About Swatch Group
Swatch Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of finished watches, comprising a portfolio of well-known watch brands across price segments and operating its own production of movements, components and electronic systems. The Australian subsidiary represents a selection of the Group’s maisons — including OMEGA, Longines, Rado, Tissot and others — and provides regional commercial, distribution and after‑sales support for these brands.
Swatch Group Australia seeks an In‑House Legal Counsel in Melbourne to advise on commercial, compliance and IP matters across its watch brands.
Role & Responsibilities
- Provide day‑to‑day legal advice on commercial contracts, distribution, agency and reseller agreements, and joint ventures relevant to the Australian market.
- Draft, negotiate and finalise commercial agreements with retail partners, service providers and suppliers, ensuring alignment with Group policies and local law.
- Advise on regulatory compliance including consumer protection, product safety, import/export and customs, and trade controls affecting watches and related accessories.
- Protect and enforce intellectual property rights (trademarks, designs, copyright) and manage local IP filings and oppositions in coordination with international counsel.
- Manage litigation and dispute resolution matters locally; instruct and oversee external counsel where appropriate.
- Support employment law and HR‑related matters in Australia, including advising on contracts, restructures and performance/disciplinary processes.
- Liaise with Swatch Group headquarters and regional legal teams on cross‑border issues, policy implementation and corporate governance matters.
- Develop and deliver legal trainings and compliance briefings to commercial, retail and after‑sales teams; contribute to risk‑mitigation strategies.
Qualifications
- Admission to practice as a solicitor or barrister in Australia.
- Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and distribution agreements.
- Proven knowledge of Australian consumer law, product regulation and trade/import controls.
- Experience managing litigation and coordinating external counsel.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong commercial judgment.
Skills
Experience
Typically 5+ years post‑qualification experience in private practice or in‑house legal teams, with a track record advising on commercial, retail and consumer goods matters; luxury, retail or FMCG sector experience and exposure to cross‑border transactions is highly desirable.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice in Australia. Postgraduate legal qualifications or practical legal training advantageous.
Workplace
This position is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Culture
Swatch Group combines Swiss watchmaking heritage with an entrepreneurial, brand‑driven culture. The Australian subsidiary operates in a collaborative, commercially oriented environment that values technical expertise, cross‑border cooperation and respect for craftsmanship and brand integrity.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Swatch Group, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Corporate Counsel», «Commercial Counsel», «Legal Counsel — In‑House», «Legal Manager (Commercial)», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.