Job Description

We\'re JTI, Japan Tobacco International and we believe in freedom. We think that the possibilities are limitless when you\'re free to choose. In fact, we\'ve spent the last 20 years innovating, creating new and better products for our consumers to choose from. It\'s how we\'ve grown to be present in 130 countries.

But our business isn\'t just business. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe when they\'re free to be themselves, grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen for our business.

That\'s why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It\'s why 9 out of 10 would recommend us to a friend. And why we\'ve been awarded Global Top Employer status, six years running.

So when you\'re ready to choose a career you\'ll love, in a company you\'ll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea.

Learn more:

Please, apply until [10 days from publishing].
Global applicants welcome. Local employment package will apply.
Department: Legal
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Legal Director

As Legal Director you will provide legal support on all matters arising in Malaysia and Singapore markets as well as Australia+ (which is a cluster of markets under the care of JTI\'s distributors, with no JTI entities) in coordination with the Associate General Counsel and the HQ legal team. You will be responsible for proactively advising JTI Malaysia and JTI Singapore as well as Australia+ on all legal matters affecting its business with the aim of achieving corporate and commercial objectives in a manner that ensures compliance with the law and appropriate management of legal risk.

The objectives of this position include (i) addressing potential legal and regulatory issues related to among other things, commercial contracts, taxation, IT, and labour law (ii) dispute resolution (iii) ensuring local teams\' training on relevant legal matters, including on compliance with company policies and regulations (i) helping the operational teams develop their commercial plans whilst minimizing risk and maximizing competitive advantage.

What will you do?

• Advise on commercial law, tobacco regulations and other areas including employment, IT, advertising, labelling, consumer protection, and health and safety as necessary. Particular emphasis on all business contracts such a drafting, reviewing and negotiating general commercial contracts (e.g., trading, purchasing, supply, distribution agreements, etc).
• Provide legal support and advisory services to the management team and stay abreast with government legislation and developments in the tobacco industry locally and globally and provide input into JTI\'s strategies with regard to implications. This includes liaison with HQ and regional legal teams as well as local outside counsels in order to provide opinions, submissions, reports, and communication to the business.
• Monitor and manage the impact of regulation changes. Advise the business on industry regulation, including reviewing developments and changes in legislation on relevant legal and regulatory matters and their potential implications on the business. Focus on the long term, identifying and anticipating future threats and litigation.
• Develop policies and procedures in areas like contract management, records retention, corporate governance, competition law, personal data protection and privacy, in order to minimize the liability exposure of the company. Deliver appropriate and regular trainings to employees.
• Support JTI\'s engagement in regulatory processes, through close collaboration with Corporate Affairs & Communications to analyze upcoming regulatory changes and develop proposals in that regard.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships within the APAC region and HQ and understand business needs and strategic plans to provide proactive and valued advice.
• Collaborate with the Compliance team to ensure compliance with anti-bribery and corruption legislations as well as other laws and JTI Policies and Procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate General counsel and HQ legal team on the implementation of functional projects, development of training programs, policies, etc. in line with functional purpose and shared goals.
• Develop legal department strategy and goals aligned with the regional business objectives and corporate strategies.
• Analyse complex legal issues to identify strategic and actionable solutions and communicates them effectively, mindful of the level of information required by the recipient(s).
• Effectively prioritizes a diverse workload (market-specific or functional legal matters).
• Support and actively contribute to the new JTI Purpose and culture by aligning actions with the JTI\'s vision, values, and goals. Foster a vibrant and inclusive work environment that will drive positive change and achieve exceptional results.
• Promote and embody the core values of JTI\'s Our Way in daily tasks. Engage in measurable actions that reflect JTI\'s commitment to these values.
• Responsible for overseeing and managing a team of two employees, ensuring their productivity, growth, and overall success. Play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment, maintaining high team morale, and achieving team objectives. Excellent people manager who develops lawyers to build capabilities, provides opportunities to broaden experience and to accelerate career progression in the department, identifies and develops successor talents.
• Manage and supervise external counsels. Establish and manage the annual legal budget for the market.

Who are we looking for?

• Qualified lawyer with 10+ years\' Post Qualification Experience (PQE).
• Experience in relation to FMCG or a regulated sector such as pharmaceuticals is a plus.
• Preferably has experience in a legal director (or its equivalent) or senior position in a market or functional role. Multi-market experience is also a bonus.
• Basic awareness of intellectual property principles (trademarks, copyright, etc).
• Ability to understand the business, strategies, people and organizational structures.
• Awareness of legal and commercial risks and the ability to establish means for managing such risks consistent with business objectives.
• Ability to deliver advice and communicate complex legal issues to the business in a clear and logical manner, adapting style to suit audience.
• Excellent in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem solving, negotiation, solutions orientation and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written English skills. Competencies in writing and communicating in Bahasa Malaysia would be an added advantage.

What are next steps?

Thank you very much for your interest in the role. We will make sure every candidate will receive a reply within 2 weeks after the application deadline. Should you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Aleida Avestruz (aleida.avestruz@jti.com) or Jamil Loberial (jamil.loberial@jti.com).

Japan Tobacco International