Head of Legal, APAC

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Work Mode: Hybrid

Employment type: Permanent

Proficiency in Chinese (Reading & Writing) is mandatory, as this role coordinates with China and Taiwan and reviews legal documents in Chinese.

Our client is a global technology service provider that focuses on delivering innovative managed services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration, and security. With a strong commitment to sustainable outcomes, they empower organisations to optimise operations and enhance cybersecurity in a digital-first world. Their extensive presence spans multiple countries, allowing them to serve a diverse range of industries effectively.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Legal, APAC to lead the legal function across the Asia-Pacific region, delivering strategic, commercial, and operational legal support to the business.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all legal matters across the APAC region, ensuring alignment with global legal strategy and regional business objectives.
Provide strategic legal advice to senior management on regulatory, commercial, corporate, employment, and data protection matters.
Oversee the review, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial contracts, tenders, and strategic partnerships, ensuring appropriate risk allocation and compliance with data privacy requirements.
Support major bids, investments, and business expansion initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and market entry strategies.
Establish and drive legal and compliance risk management frameworks, identifying key risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
Serve as the Regional Data Protection Officer (DPO) for key Asian jurisdictions, overseeing data handling, privacy compliance, and regulatory reporting.
Lead data protection and privacy compliance across Asia, including policy development, cross-border data transfers, breach response, DPO registrations, and regulatory alignment.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, data privacy requirements, and internal governance policies across all APAC jurisdictions.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve legal, compliance, and data governance policies, processes, and controls.
Manage external legal counsel across multiple countries, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality legal support.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, providing proactive legal, risk-based, and data privacy guidance.
Partner with business and technology teams on cybersecurity, data governance, incident response, and DPO-mandated audits from a legal perspective.
Lead, mentor, and develop the regional legal team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
Support corporate governance activities, including board matters, company secretarial requirements, and regulatory filings.
Represent the company in negotiations, disputes, regulatory engagements, and interactions with relevant data protection authorities and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have:

Qualified lawyer with a Degree in Law or equivalent.
Admission to practise in a relevant jurisdiction is preferred.
Minimum of 10 years relevant legal experience, preferably within regional or multinational organisations.
Proficiency in Chinese (Reading & Writing) is mandatory, as this role coordinates with China and Taiwan and reviews legal documents in Chinese.
Strong background in commercial law, contract management, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and data protection/privacy laws.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice and influence senior stakeholders.
Proven experience managing complex negotiations, high-value commercial contracts, cross-border transactions, and data privacy programmes.
Strong understanding of enterprise risk management, compliance frameworks, and DPO responsibilities.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement.

Nice-to-have:

Experience serving as, or supporting, a Data Protection Officer (DPO).
Experience with APAC data protection frameworks, including Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Prior experience within the ICT or technology industry.
Proficiency in Chinese beyond the mandatory requirements.
Experience supporting or leading legal matters in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, and market entry strategies.

Why Join Us

Join a global technology services provider at the forefront of digital transformation, where your expertise will shape business strategy and drive innovation across the APAC region.
Work alongside industry leaders, influence key decisions, and contribute to the long-term success of a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Apply Now: https://www.careers-page.com/oxy/job/W347Y94W

Head Of Legal Counsel APAC