General Secretary/Chief of Staff

Our client is the Belgian market leader in its sector, with a strong ambition to accelerate its international expansion.

While recognized as a leading player in its industry, the company has maintained the agility, entrepreneurial spirit, and close-knit culture of an SME. With a team of approximately 20 professionals, success relies on individuals who combine ownership, initiative, and a willingness to contribute beyond the boundaries of a traditional job description.

To support its continued growth and strengthen its internal organization, the company is looking for a Secretary General/Chief of Staff with a solid legal background and a strong operational mindset.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Secretary General acts as a trusted partner to the management team, ensuring that the company operates efficiently, compliantly, and in a structured manner.

The role is ideally suited for someone with a background as a lawyer, in-house counsel, or legal professional, who enjoys combining legal rigor with operational involvement. You will be expected to move seamlessly between strategic, cross-functional topics and day-to-day execution.

One hour you may be reviewing an important contractual matter, overseeing compliance obligations, or advising management on governance issues; the next, you may be coordinating an internal project, improving a process, organizing follow-up on key decisions, or liaising with external partners.

We are looking for an individual who combines a helicopter view with a hands-on mentality, who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and executing pragmatically.

Key Responsibilities

Governance, Legal & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, internal policies, and corporate obligations.
• Support management in assessing legal and operational risks.
• Maintain a pragmatic and business-oriented approach to legal matters.

Operational Coordination & Business Support

• Organize internal meetings, monitor action plans, and drive accountability.
• Assist the CEO and management team with strategic and operational priorities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across teams and external stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Organizational Excellence

• Bring structure, clarity, and consistency to internal operations.
• Review and improve processes, workflows, and internal controls.
• Ensure that priorities are translated into tangible actions and results.

HR, Administration & Corporate Support

• Support HR administration, onboarding processes, and internal policies.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Contribute to a positive, efficient, and well-organized working environment.

Finance & Corporate Administration

• Oversee administrative aspects of invoicing, reporting, and operational follow-up.
• Coordinate with external accountants and financial advisors.
• Ensure that recurring administrative and financial processes are properly managed and monitored.

External Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate relationships with external accountants, IT providers, insurers, and other professional partners.
• Ensure that external support functions are properly managed and aligned with business needs.

Profile

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Master's degree in Law.
• Has approximately 5 years of professional experience, ideally as a lawyer, in-house counsel, legal advisor, or in a similar role combining legal and business responsibilities.
• Possesses a strong legal foundation and an interest in governance, compliance, and corporate organization.
• Combines analytical rigor with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
• Enjoys alternating between strategic thinking and operational execution.
• Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
• Is proactive and comfortable taking ownership without requiring constant supervision.
• Thrives in an SME environment where flexibility, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit are essential.
• Understands that in a team of 20 people, everyone contributes beyond their title and is willing to step outside their comfort zone when needed.
• Is fluent in Dutch, and English. French is a plus.