Senior Legal Manager , APAC (Thailand & Vietnam)

Job Purpose :The Senior Legal Manager will provide strategic legal support for business operations in Thailand and Vietnam, while also contributing to the organization and support of the company’s digital legal operations project and regional activities across APAC. This role requires a proactive approach to handling a wide range of legal issues, with a focus on compliance, contracts, and legal risk management. The Senior Legal Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and regional and global regulatory requirements.Job Responsibilities :Legal Support for Thailand and Vietnam:Provide legal counsel on business operations, commercial contracts, employment matters, and regulatory compliance for Thailand and Vietnam.Draft, review, and negotiate various legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and corporate documents to support business needs.Ensure legal compliance with local laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.Handle labor law issues, corporate governance matters, and litigation management when necessary.Digital Legal Operations:Support the implementation and management of legal digitalization initiatives, including the use of legal technology tools to streamline processes.Collaborate with internal teams to integrate legal support into digital platforms for enhanced operational efficiency.Provide guidance on privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection regulations applicable to digital operations.Support Regional Activities (APAC):Provide legal support to the Regional Manager on all regional legal activities and projects within the APAC region.Assist in the coordination and execution of regional legal strategies, policies, and initiatives, ensuring they align with the company’s broader objectives.Support the regional team with cross-border legal matters, including regulatory issues, contract negotiation, and compliance across APAC countries.Legal Risk Management and Compliance:Identify and manage legal risks across the business in Thailand and Vietnam, proactively providing solutions to mitigate potential liabilities.Ensure adherence to corporate policies, including anti-bribery, anti-corruption, data privacy, and competition laws.Stay updated on legal developments and advise management on potential impacts and necessary adjustments to company policies or operations.Stakeholder Engagement:Work closely with senior management, business leaders, and external legal counsel to provide timely and effective legal advice.Act as a trusted legal business partner to the business units, ensuring that legal insights are incorporated into decision-making processes.Represent the company in negotiations, dispute resolution, and interactions with regulatory bodies, as needed.Cross-Border Collaboration:Collaborate with regional legal teams to ensure consistency in legal strategies and best practices across APAC.Contribute to the development of regional legal policies and participate in cross-border legal projects when required.Managing Team Members:Provide leadership and guidance to a dedicated team member, ensuring their professional growth and alignment with organizational goals.Manage and mentor the team member to enhance their legal expertise, offering strategic advice to support their responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative environment that drives high-quality legal support.Focus on building the team member's capabilities, ensuring their work aligns with corporate policies and business objectives while maintaining consistency and excellence in legal operations.Education & Experience :EDUCATIONBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law (LLB or LLM) from an accredited institution.Qualified to practice law in Thailand, with knowledge of the legal system in Vietnam being a strong advantage.Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in corporate/commercial law, preferably within a multinational organization or law firm.EXPERIENCEExperience with legal digital operations and tools, as well as data privacy regulations.Experience in supporting high-impact corporate projects such as M&A and company dissolution, with knowledge or experience in handling labor disputes.Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work within a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Experience in providing legal support for multiple jurisdictions in Southeast Asia.KNOWLEDGELocal and Regional Legal Systems: In-depth knowledge of Thai laws and regulations, with a working understanding of Vietnamese legal frameworks.Corporate and Commercial Law: Expertise in corporate governance, contract law, commercial transactions, and employment law across Thailand and Vietnam.Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory requirements for key areas such as data privacy, anti-bribery, and competition law, both locally and regionally.Digital Legal Operations: Understanding of digital legal tools, platforms, and processes to support legal digitalization initiatives, including familiarity with cybersecurity and data protection regulations.Cross-Border Legal Issues: Familiarity with cross-border transactions, regional legal practices, and multi-jurisdictional compliance.Risk Management: Knowledge of legal risk assessment and mitigation strategies within a multinational organization.SKILLSStrong understanding of Thai and Vietnamese legal and regulatory frameworks.Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.Strong analytical abilities, with a focus on problem-solving and business-oriented solutions.Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.High level of integrity and professional ethics.Fluent in Thai and English, with proficiency in Vietnamese considered an advantage.Project Management Skills: Capable of handling complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring timely and efficient completion.Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in handling changing business priorities and legal challenges.Strong leadership abilities to guide, inspire, and develop team members while fostering accountability and collaboration.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong organizational skills to manage workloads and ensure alignment with corporate policies and objectives.