Legal Compliance Manager/Commercial Counsel

WHO WE ARE At Proxima Fusion, we're driven by a bold mission – to redefine the future of sustainable energy. Our unique concept, built upon the groundbreaking W7-X stellarator and the latest advances in technology, paves the way for commercially viable fusion power plants. What’s more, our work in stellarator optimization, powered by cutting-edge computation and machine learning, is propelling us into uncharted territories of fusion technology. New higher performance design points are unlocked by high temperature superconducting magnets. To fully grasp this huge opportunity, we’re building a team of extremely dedicated and passionate people who come together driving something extraordinary, radically transforming technology in the world. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION - You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. - You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. - Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. - Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT We are seeking an exceptional Legal Compliance Manager/Commercial Counsel to join our dynamic team as we continue our growth journey. In this hybrid role, you will take ownership of our compliance framework while supporting day-to-day commercial contracting work. You will translate risk and regulatory requirements into pragmatic processes and provide hands-on legal support to our business teams. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Lead, manage and execute our end-to-end compliance program, including planning, monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement activities. - Define and regularly review risk objectives across key areas of our business, and design, prioritise and roll out compliance processes based on those risks. - Set up and maintain clear compliance processes, policies and SOPs, ensuring they are practical, scalable and embedded in day-to-day operations. - Conduct and document risk assessments, internal reviews and audits, and oversee remediation and follow-up actions. - Develop and deliver training and awareness initiatives to build a strong culture of compliance across all teams. - Support legal colleagues in drafting, reviewing and negotiating standard commercial agreements (e.g. NDAs, services agreements, procurement and supply contracts, collaboration agreements, license agreements etc.). - Serve as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders on compliance and other standard commercial contracting questions. WHO YOU ARE - Qualified lawyer with the First or Second German State Examination (Erstes / Zweites Staatsexamen) with admission as a fully qualified German lawyer (Rechtsanwalt/Rechtsanwältin) is a strong plus. - Alternatively, a Bachelor (LL.B.) / Master of Laws (LL.M.) with relevant experience in German and international contexts in compliance management and regulatory law. - Several years of hands-on experience in compliance, risk management or a closely related field, including leading, managing and executing compliance processes. - Proven track record of designing and implementing compliance frameworks, policies and SOPs, ideally in a highly regulated, technology, industrial or high-growth environment. - Practical experience within the context of applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., trade/export control, counterparty screening, data/privacy, health and safety etc.). - Strong understanding of risk-based approaches to compliance and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into actionable and efficient processes. - Experience in commercial contracting or a strong interest in developing this skill set. - Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way to non-experts. - Business fluency in English (German is a plus). - High level of integrity, sound judgment and the ability to operate autonomously while collaborating effectively with cross-functional stakeholders. INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) - CEO call (30 min) At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.