About iHerb
iHerb, LLC (iHerb US) is one of the world’s leading e-commerce destinations dedicated to offering a vast selection of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and other health and wellness products. Supported by a global workforce of 3,000 team members, iHerb US serves more than 10 million global active customers across more than 180 countries and 19 languages. iHerb US’ sophisticated global logistics network is anchored by eight climate-controlled fulfillment centers located in the U.S. and Asia, providing customers with a seamless and reliable shopping experience. Founded in 1996 and based in Irvine, California, iHerb US is on a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. For more information, please visit corporate.iherb.com.
Job Summary
Reporting to iHerb’s Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) will play a critical role in providing strategic legal guidance and support for the company’s operations across the region. The successful candidate will lead legal initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate legal risks while enabling business growth in the EMEA region. This role will involve close collaboration with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and various internal departments to ensure the organization’s legal interests are safeguarded.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide practical and strategic legal advice to business stakeholders across the EMEA region on a broad range of legal issues, including commercial contracts, data privacy (GDPR and other relevant regulations), employment law, intellectual property, competition law, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
- As the Company continues to establish an onsite presence in Europe, headquartered in Amsterdam for the region, the Associate General Counsel will play a key role in assisting in assembling the team/staff. While the individual functions will have solid-line reporting to the US headquarters or functional managers off-site, this position will for the time-being be the “ranking officer” onsite tasked with managerial responsibilities beyond the traditional legal counsel realm.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements, including sales agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, partnership agreements, and service agreements.
- Work collaboratively with the Company’s Compliance Department to advise on and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the EMEA region, including data privacy, anti-corruption, product, and trade compliance.
- Manage and oversee external legal counsel in the EMEA region, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high-quality legal representation.
- Develop and implement legal policies, procedures, and training programs to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance.
- Monitor and analyze legal and regulatory developments in the EMEA region and advise the business on potential impacts.
- Collaborate closely with other members of the legal team globally to ensure consistency and alignment on legal strategies.
- Support mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions in the EMEA region.
- Assist in the establishment, corporate governance, and maintenance of subsidiaries or branch offices within EMEA.
- Handle pre-litigation disputes and manage litigation matters in the EMEA region.
- Work closely and manage a network of outside counsel supporting the internal legal function.
- Assist in employment related matters and support the HR Team on employee relations matters in the region.
- Provide support in the administration and protection of the Company’s intellectual property in the region.
- Provide training to business teams on relevant legal topics.
The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a recognized university.
- Licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction within the EMEA region or a common law jurisdiction (e.g., US, UK).
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in-house at a multinational company.
- Significant experience advising on legal matters in the EMEA region, with a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape.
- Expertise in commercial contract law, data privacy (GDPR), employment law, and competition law.
- Familiarity with international trade, sanctions, and anti-bribery regulations (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act).
- Experience with international transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters.
- Experience in handling litigation and dispute resolution.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong collaboration and management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Fluency in English is essential; fluency in another European or Middle Eastern language is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally as needed.
Physical Demands
(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the work day. Proper lifting techniques required. May include lifting up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The noise in the work environment is usually moderate. Other factors are:
- “Start-up” environment with multi-level distractions and initially, minimal administrative support
- Professional, yet casual work environment
- Ability to work extended hours as required
- Some periodic travel regionally and annually/semi-annually to the US may be required
To Apply
Interested, qualified professionals should submit an electronic copy of their letter of interest and their resume to the following search consultants:
| Steve John Partner John and Snyder, LLC steve@johnandsnyder.com (415) 505-6685 | Jason Snyder Partner John and Snyder, LLC jason@johnandsnyder.com (415) 505-6687 |
All inquiries and/or application materials sent directly to iHerb will be redirected to John and Snyder, LLC for review, which may cause significant delay in evaluation and response.
On behalf of iHerb, we thank you for your interest in the Director of Trade Compliance opportunity.
