Legal Counsel – Japan & APAC (m/f/d)

About the role

We are seeking a Legal Counsel to provide strategic, commercially‑focused legal support for our Japan operations and, where relevant, the broader APAC region. The role partners with senior management and cross‑functional teams to help achieve business objectives while managing legal, regulatory and compliance risks.

Key responsibilities

• Provide practical legal advice on commercial, corporate and operational matters, drafting and negotiating distribution, supply, procurement, licensing, marketing, technology and service agreements.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, HR, Finance and Regulatory teams to deliver solutions that support business goals.
• Lead compliance initiatives covering anti‑bribery, competition law, data privacy, consumer protection and internal investigations.
• Advise stakeholders on legal risks and develop mitigation approaches.
• Manage litigation, employment disputes, product liability matters and coordinate external counsel.
• Collaborate with APAC, ANZ and global legal teams on cross‑border transactions and regional projects.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with 8–12 years post‑qualification experience, preferably in a multinational FMCG, consumer products, retail, manufacturing or healthcare environment.
• Strong in‑house experience in commercial contracting, business partnering and stakeholder management.
• Experience supporting multiple APAC jurisdictions; exposure to ANZ is a plus.
• Fluent in English and business‑level or native Japanese.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, matrixed organization.