Legal Counsel

The Employer The Employer is a large retail company with interests in multi-brand,multi-product retail businesses in Southeast Asia. It has a portfolio offranchise, distribution, and direct retail operations in several countries inSE Asia and is rapidly expanding its presence in new markets and with newbrands. Position: Legal Counsel Job Code: EXP/LC/RET/SG/0626 Location: Singapore Responsibilities The Legal Counsel will be the Group's lead legalexecutive, responsible for all legal, corporate governance, compliance,regulatory, and risk management matters across multiple jurisdictions. The rolecombines strategic legal leadership with hands-on involvement in commercialtransactions, franchise agreements, corporate structuring, and businessexpansion initiatives. Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance • Oversee statutory compliance and governance forSingapore-based entities. • Manage board resolutions, annual filings, shareholdermatters, and corporate records. • Work closely with corporate secretaries, auditors, andregulatory authorities. • Ensure compliance with Singapore corporate laws andgovernance requirements. Commercial, Franchise & Distribution Agreements • Lead the negotiation, drafting, and review offranchise, distribution, licensing, and brand partnership agreements. • Support new brand acquisitions, market entries, andcommercial partnerships. • Manage relationships and negotiations withinternational brand owners and their legal advisers. • Ensure legal frameworks are consistent across countrieswhile complying with local regulations. Real Estate & Retail Expansion • Negotiate and review retail lease agreements andproperty-related contracts. • Support store openings, relocations, and expansioninitiatives across the region. • Advise on landlord negotiations and property-relatedlegal matters. • Ensure compliance with local leasing and propertyregulations. Cross-Border Investments & Corporate Structuring • Advise on regional corporate structures, foreigninvestments, and market-entry strategies. • Support establishment of new entities and expansioninto new jurisdictions. • Manage legal aspects of capital injections, shareholderarrangements, and inter-company structures. • Coordinate external legal, tax, and regulatory adviserson complex transactions. Commercial Contracts • Draft and negotiate a broad range of commercialagreements including Vendor and procurement contracts, Service agreements, Inter-companyagreements, Licensing arrangements, and Concession and operating agreements • Develop and maintain standard contract templates andlegal policies. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution • Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks acrossthe Group. • Manage disputes, claims, and litigation matters. • Coordinate with external counsel on legal proceedingsand regulatory investigations. • Provide practical legal solutions that support businessobjectives while protecting the Group's interests. Strategic Business Partner • Act as trusted legal advisor to the Board, CEO, andsenior leadership team. • Support strategic initiatives including acquisitions,partnerships, investments, and market expansion. • Provide commercially focused legal advice to facilitategrowth and decision-making. • Lead and mentor members of the legal team whereapplicable. Education & Qualifications • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a reputed university. • Qualified lawyer admitted in Singapore or anotherrecognised jurisdiction. • Advanced legal qualifications (LLM or equivalent) areadvantageous • At least 15 years of post-qualification legalexperience. • Strong background in corporate and commercial law. • Experience in franchise, distribution, retail,consumer, lifestyle, luxury, or real estate sectors preferred. • Proven experience handling cross-border transactionsand multi-jurisdictional legal matters. • Familiarity with Singapore corporate governance andregulatory requirements. Exposure to other countries in SE Asia preferred. • Prior in-house legal experience is highly desirable. • Strong commercial judgement and business acumen. • Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills. • Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationshipsacross multiple countries. • Strategic thinker with strong problem-solvingcapabilities. • High ethical standards and professional integrity. • Strong communication and influencing skills. • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-pacedentrepreneurial environment.