Senior In‑House Counsel – Customer Contracts & Intellectual Property Protection (m/f/d)

About brighthush

brighthush is a leading Data‑as‑a‑Service (DaaS) platform that unites more than 30 automotive aftermarket companies under one neutral, technology‑driven ecosystem. With a global footprint spanning 140 countries and a team of over 1,000 professionals, we empower our partners to access, share, and monetize high‑quality data without compromising security or compliance. Our mission is simple: enable the market to thrive while we remain the invisible, trusted connector that keeps it running smoothly.

Why Join brighthush?

At brighthush, we blend cutting‑edge technology with deep industry expertise. Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, and a relentless focus on delivering value to our partners. As a member of our legal team, you will be at the intersection of law, data, and automotive innovation, shaping the future of the aftermarket sector while protecting the intellectual property that fuels it.

Role Overview

We are looking for 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Business Partner Act as the go‑to legal advisor for senior leadership and cross‑functional teams, providing proactive, pragmatic counsel that balances risk with business agility.
• 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—while safeguarding brighthush’s interests.
• Risk Management & Compliance Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across all business units. Ensure compliance with international data protection laws, export controls, and industry regulations.
• Claims & Dispute Resolution Lead the defense of legal claims, manage litigation strategy, and negotiate settlements or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.