Our Mission
At Circus (Xetra: CA1), headquartered in Hamburg with offices in Berlin and Munich, we are pioneering global developments in on-demand autonomous food production. From culinary creation to production and operations, everything is powered by seamlessly integrated robotics and transformative AI.
Our foundation lies in groundbreaking advancements in robotics, driven by artificial intelligence — the long-missing link in realizing fully autonomous food automation. The time has come for a new status quo: just as autonomous vehicles are reshaping our cities and daily lives, we are redefining the entire experience of food.
Our team brings together leading minds in Robotics, AI, Engineering, and Culinary, working closely with industry-leading partners to revolutionize how food is prepared, accessed, and experienced.
Join us as we shape a future where the art of cooking meets the science of technology — and where food becomes something fundamentally new.
About the Role
As our General Counsel, you will serve as Circus’s top legal authority and strategic advisor, guiding our executive team and board through the opportunities and complexities of a public, fast-scaling, and technology-driven environment. You will lead all legal, compliance, and governance matters across the group — with a particular focus on commercial contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory issues in AI, robotics, and automation.
We’re looking for a pragmatic legal leader who’s not afraid to dive deep into the business. Someone who can operate confidently at board level while still reviewing the fine print of a complex SaaS deal or technology partnership. This role is key to enabling our growth, protecting our innovation, and ensuring we operate with clarity and integrity — across jurisdictions, business models, and stakeholders.
Your Daily Business
Legal Strategy & Corporate Governance
* Lead all legal matters across Circus Group, including corporate governance, commercial law, securities law, IP, and regulatory compliance
* Build and implement a scalable legal framework fit for a high-growth, listed technology company
* Serve as trusted legal advisor to the executive team and board of directors
Commercial Contracts & Technology Transactions
* Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts — particularly in SaaS, cloud services, automation, supply chain, and global partnerships
* Support commercial teams with deal structuring and risk assessment in B2B enterprise sales and strategic alliances
* Align legal terms with business objectives, product strategy, and customer needs
Intellectual Property & Technology Law
* Own and protect our global IP portfolio — including patents, trademarks, and copyrights related to robotics, software, and AI
* Work closely with engineering and product teams to align legal protection with innovation cycles
* Monitor relevant tech-related legal developments, including AI regulation and product liability
Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure compliance with applicable national and international regulations — especially in data protection (GDPR), product safety, and securities law
* Design and manage internal compliance programs and training initiatives
* Identify legal risks early and develop clear, actionable mitigation strategies
Capital Markets & International Expansion
* Advise on legal aspects of public company reporting, disclosure obligations, and investor communications
* Support cross-border activities including market entry, international structuring, and regulatory filings
* Collaborate with Investor Relations and Finance teams to ensure accurate and timely disclosures
Executive & Board Engagement
* Provide strategic legal counsel to the CEO, CFO, and other senior executives
* Support the board and its committees with documentation, governance, and legal oversight
* Advise on M&A transactions, fundraising activities, and due diligence processes
Base Qualifications
* Law degree and admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction
* 10+ years of legal experience, ideally including in-house leadership in a tech-centric, international business
* Deep expertise in commercial contracts, IP, and regulatory topics related to SaaS, robotics, or automation technologies
* Proven experience working in or advising a publicly listed company, including knowledge of securities regulation and capital market compliance
* Strategic mindset with strong operational execution — comfortable shifting between board-level conversations and contract details
* Experience building or scaling legal teams and cross-functional collaboration across borders
* Excellent communication skills and a pragmatic, business-focused approach to problem-solving
* Fluent in English and German
Preferred Qualifications
Our Offer
* Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive compensation package with offered stock options for full-time employees.
* Work-Life Balance: Enjoy regular team events, a hybrid work setup, 2 months/year remote work (Workation), and unlimited vacation days, along with a corporate pension plan.
* Personal Development: €500 personal annual training budget, access to internal trainings, and strong growth opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
* Mobility: Benefit from a €50 monthly mobility or expense budget and a subsidized Dance Mobility Subscription for E-Bike/E-Moped.
* Well-Being: Access discounted Urban Sports Club membership and Wellhub for a wide variety of health and well-being offerings
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