Deputy Head of Legal, M&A & Investments

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Legal to oversee legal matters related to complex M&A, investment, capital markets and financing transactions across CIS and international markets.

The position combines hands-on involvement in sophisticated transactions with responsibility for legal structuring, negotiations, cross-border regulatory matters and transaction execution. The successful candidate will also provide strategic legal support to the Head of Legal and work closely with beneficiaries, shareholders, investment teams and external advisors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of complex M&A, investment, capital markets and financing transactions from initial structuring through completion.
• Manage key transaction stages, including due diligence, legal structuring, drafting, negotiations and execution of documentation.
• Advise on cross-border transaction structures involving Kazakhstan, CIS countries and other international jurisdictions.
• Apply and advise on Kazakhstan law, AIFC regulations and English law in the context of relevant transactions.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and develop practical approaches to their mitigation.
• Support the Head of Legal on strategic legal matters and serve as a senior member of the legal team.
• Lead and participate in negotiations with counterparties, external advisors and senior stakeholders.
• Work directly with beneficiaries, shareholders and investment teams on transaction-related legal matters.

Key Requirements

• 8–10+ years of relevant legal experience in M&A, investments, capital markets or financing.
• Background in a top-tier law firm, investment fund, investment bank, major holding or large corporate environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex transactions from structuring through execution.
• Strong knowledge of English law is required.
• Knowledge of Kazakhstan law and AIFC regulations is a significant advantage.
• Experience handling cross-border transactions involving CIS and international jurisdictions.
• Strong capabilities in legal drafting, negotiation, analysis and project management.
• Experience coordinating external legal advisors and mentoring junior lawyers.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and manage communication with complex stakeholder groups.
• Fluency in Russian and English is required.
• Relocation to Astana and full-time office-based work are required.