Senior In‑House Counsel – Customer Contracts & Intellectual Property Protection – Leading Legal Strategy for a Global Data‑Driven Automotive Ecosystem

About brighthush

brighthush is a pioneering Data‑as‑a‑Service (DaaS) platform that brings together more than 30 automotive aftermarket companies into a single, neutral, technology‑driven ecosystem. With a presence in 140 countries and a workforce of over 1,000 professionals, we empower partners to access, share, and monetize high‑quality data while safeguarding security, privacy, and compliance. Our mission is simple yet powerful: enable the market to thrive by acting as the invisible, trusted connector that keeps the automotive aftermarket running smoothly and securely.

Why Join brighthush?

At brighthush, we fuse cutting‑edge technology with deep industry expertise. Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, and an unwavering focus on delivering tangible value to our partners. As a member of our legal team, you will sit at the intersection of law, data, and automotive innovation, shaping the future of the aftermarket sector while protecting the intellectual property that fuels it. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking organization that values bold ideas, embraces change, and rewards impact.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Senior In‑House Counsel to lead all legal matters related to customer contracts and intellectual property protection. This full‑time position (40 hours per week) will serve as the primary legal partner for business units across brighthush, ensuring that every contract, policy, and IP strategy aligns with our global compliance framework and commercial objectives. You will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, a strategic partner to cross‑functional teams, and a guardian of our legal and ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Business Partner • Provide proactive, pragmatic counsel that balances risk with business agility. • Translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice for non‑legal stakeholders. • Build strong relationships with senior executives, product leads, sales, and compliance teams.
• Contract Drafting & Negotiation • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide spectrum of commercial agreements, including customer contracts, reseller agreements, data‑sharing licenses, and service level agreements. • Ensure all contracts reflect brighthush’s strategic priorities, risk appetite, and compliance obligations. • Lead negotiations with key partners, vendors, and customers to secure favorable terms while maintaining partnership integrity.
• Risk Management & Compliance • Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across all business units. • Ensure compliance with international data protection laws, export controls, competition law, and industry regulations. • Develop and maintain risk mitigation frameworks, policy updates, and compliance training programs.
• Claims & Dispute Resolution • Lead the defense of legal claims, manage litigation strategy, and negotiate settlements or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. • Coordinate with external counsel, internal stakeholders, and risk management teams to protect the company’s reputation and assets.
• External Counsel Management • Select, coordinate, and evaluate external law firms and advisors, ensuring high‑quality, cost‑effective support for complex legal matters. • Negotiate fee arrangements, monitor performance, and maintain a robust external counsel database.
• Contract & IP Governance • Maintain a centralized repository of contracts, terms & conditions, and IP documentation. • Oversee the registration, enforcement, and licensing of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. • Develop and enforce internal IP policies, including open‑source usage, data ownership, and licensing agreements.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration • Partner with product, engineering, sales, and compliance teams to embed legal considerations into product roadmaps, go‑to‑market strategies, and data‑sharing initiatives. • Provide legal input during new product launches, market expansions, and regulatory filings.

Essential Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, with admission to practice in a recognized jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in commercial law, preferably within a technology‑driven, data‑centric environment.
• Deep expertise in contract law, intellectual property, data protection, and competition law.
• Proven track record of drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into actionable business advice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; fluency in English is mandatory, German is highly desirable.
• Structured, detail‑oriented, and proactive approach to legal work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certifications in Intellectual Property (e.g., IP Law, Patent Attorney) or Contract Management.
• Experience working with automotive or automotive‑aftermarket companies.
• Knowledge of European Union data protection regulations (GDPR, ePrivacy) and U.S. data privacy frameworks.
• Experience managing external counsel and vendor relationships.
• Multilingual capabilities beyond English and German.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking with a commercial mindset.
• Negotiation and influence across senior leadership.
• Project management and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit.
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving industry.
• Commitment to ethical standards and corporate governance.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we invest heavily in professional development. You will have access to:

• Regular internal training on emerging data laws, IP trends, and contract best practices.
• Mentorship from senior legal leaders and cross‑functional executives.
• Opportunities to lead high‑impact projects, such as global IP strategy or cross‑border compliance initiatives.
• Participation in industry conferences, webinars, and thought‑leadership panels.
• Clear career pathways to roles such as General Counsel, Head of Legal, or Chief Legal Officer.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush thrives on a culture of transparency, innovation, and mutual respect. We offer:

• Hybrid work model with flexible hours to support work‑life balance.
• Inclusive, diverse, and collaborative teams that celebrate different perspectives.
• Regular team‑building events, hackathons, and knowledge‑sharing sessions.
• Access to cutting‑edge legal technology tools and resources.
• Recognition programs that reward creativity, teamwork, and outstanding performance.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific figures are tailored to experience and location, brighthush provides a competitive total‑reward package that includes:

• Base salary commensurate with market standards for senior legal counsel.
• Performance‑based bonuses and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible vacation policy.
• Wellness programs, gym memberships, and mental‑health support.
• Continuous learning stipend for courses, certifications, and conferences.

How to Apply

Ready to shape the legal future of the automotive aftermarket? Submit your CV in English only through our applicant tracking system. We kindly ask that you do not apply via email or other channels, as we are unable to process external applications due to GDPR compliance.

Closing Statement

As a Senior In‑House Counsel at brighthush, you will be at the forefront of a data‑driven revolution, ensuring that our partners can innovate safely and confidently. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for law, technology, and the automotive industry, we invite you to join our dynamic team and help us build the next generation of market connectivity.