Location:
Shanghai, China
Reports to:
General Counsel, Global Headquarters (US)
About Our Client:
Our client is a prominent US-based global leader in the industrial technology sector, providing critical infrastructure solutions worldwide. With a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation, the company is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Its APAC operations are supported by a strong manufacturing presence, including two key production facilities in China.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a pragmatic and proactive Legal Director to serve as the primary legal advisor for the Asia Pacific region. This role is critical for supporting the region's rapid commercial expansion and ensuring the highest standards of legal compliance. Based in Shanghai, the Legal Director will lead a compact team of two legal professionals and be the strategic legal partner to the APAC business leadership, with a strong emphasis on enabling business growth through efficient and effective legal support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercial Contracting & Business Growth:
Serve as the key legal partner for the sales, procurement, and operations teams. Proactively draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of complex commercial agreements, including master supply agreements, distribution contracts, procurement agreements, and technology licenses to facilitate and accelerate business growth. - Team Leadership & Management:
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of two legal professionals. Optimize workflow and resource allocation to ensure the legal team provides responsive and high-quality support to the fast-paced commercial organization. - Compliance & Risk Management:
Develop and implement compliance programs to ensure operations across APAC (with a primary focus on China) adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including anti-corruption, trade compliance, data privacy, and labor laws. - Operations Support:
Provide comprehensive legal support for the two manufacturing facilities in China, advising on operational, EHS, employment, and regulatory as well as trade matters. - Stakeholder Counseling:
Act as a trusted advisor to the APAC President and functional leaders, providing practical, risk-aware legal guidance that balances legal requirements with business objectives. - Dispute Resolution:
Manage pre-litigation disputes and oversee litigation matters in the region, efficiently managing external counsel when required.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Law degree from a recognized university and a license to practice law in China.
- 10+ years of post-qualification experience, with a blend of private practice and in-house roles .
- Proven expertise in Chinese contract law and a track record of supporting complex commercial transactions.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a legal team.
- Strong business acumen with a solution-oriented mindset. The ability to manage a high workload of contractual matters efficiently is essential.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a bilingual (English and Mandarin) environment to liaise with Mandarin-speaking stakeholders.