LEGAL DIRECTOR FMCG

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is a well-established and growing organization operating across the FMCG, consumer goods, manufacturing, trading and distribution sectors.

As part of its continued business growth and organizational development, the Company is seeking an experienced Legal Director to lead the legal function and provide strategic legal counsel across the organization.

The Legal Director will act as a strategic business partner to Executive Management and key business functions, ensuring that the Company's growth and operations are supported by a strong legal, compliance and risk management framework.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the Company's overall legal strategy, framework and priorities in alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the Legal function and establish effective legal governance, policies, processes and standards across the organization.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board of Directors, Executive Management and business leaders on key business decisions and initiatives.
• Act as a trusted legal business partner, balancing commercial objectives, business opportunities and legal risk.
• Build and develop the legal team's capabilities, operating model and performance.
• Establish clear legal service standards and ensure timely, high-quality support to business functions.

2. Corporate & Commercial Legal Advisory

• Provide strategic legal advice on major commercial and operational matters across the business.
• Oversee legal support for Sales, Marketing, Trade Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, HR and other functions.
• Advise management on legal implications of new business models, market expansion, strategic partnerships and commercial initiatives.
• Oversee the review and negotiation of major commercial agreements, including contracts with customers, suppliers, distributors, strategic partners, agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure appropriate legal structures and protections are in place for significant business transactions.

3. FMCG & Regulatory Legal

• Oversee legal matters relating to FMCG products, product development, advertising, promotions, consumer protection, product claims, labeling, distribution and commercialization.
• Monitor major regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the Company's business and operating model.
• Provide strategic guidance to Marketing and Commercial teams on advertising, promotional campaigns, product claims and consumer-facing communications.
• Ensure appropriate legal frameworks are established for new products, channels and commercial initiatives.

4. Legal Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Establish and oversee the Company's legal compliance and risk management framework.
• Identify and assess material legal and regulatory risks and provide recommendations to Executive Management.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and controls to strengthen legal and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with relevant functions to ensure effective implementation of compliance requirements.
• Provide regular reporting and escalation of significant legal risks to senior management and the Board, where appropriate.
• Promote a strong culture of legal awareness and compliance throughout the organization.

5. Contracts & Strategic Transactions

• Oversee the Company's contract management framework and governance.
• Lead or supervise the legal aspects of major commercial transactions, strategic partnerships, investments, M&A, restructuring and business expansion projects.
• Lead or oversee legal due diligence, transaction structuring and negotiation of significant deals.
• Evaluate legal risks associated with strategic transactions and provide recommendations to management.
• Ensure appropriate legal protections are incorporated into major business decisions and transactions.

6. Dispute Resolution & Legal Proceedings

• Oversee the Company's approach to disputes, claims, litigation and other legal proceedings.
• Develop strategies for material or high-risk legal disputes in coordination with Executive Management and relevant functions.
• Manage relationships with external law firms and legal advisors.
• Evaluate legal exposure, potential financial impact and reputational implications of significant disputes.
• Ensure appropriate escalation and reporting of material legal matters.

7. External Counsel & Stakeholder Management

• Manage and oversee relationships with external legal counsel, law firms, consultants and other professional advisors.
• Select and manage external legal resources based on business requirements and legal complexity.
• Work with government authorities and relevant external stakeholders on significant regulatory and legal matters.
• Ensure effective cost management and appropriate utilization of external legal support.

8. Strategic Projects & Business Transformation

• Provide legal leadership for strategic projects involving business expansion, M&A, investment, restructuring, new product development, market entry and organizational transformation.
• Participate in senior-level decision-making and provide legal perspectives on business strategy and execution.
• Support management in identifying opportunities to structure business initiatives in a legally sound and commercially effective manner.
• Ensure legal considerations are embedded early in major business decisions and projects.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or above in Law.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with significant experience in an in-house legal environment.
• Proven experience in a Legal Manager / Head of Legal / Legal Director or equivalent senior leadership position.
• Strong experience in FMCG, Consumer Goods, Retail, Manufacturing, Trading or other consumer-facing businesses is highly preferred.
• Strong track record in commercial legal, contract negotiation, corporate governance, compliance and legal risk management.
• Experience advising senior management and/or Board-level stakeholders on significant legal and business matters.
• Proven experience managing legal teams and/or leading cross-functional legal projects.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of Vietnamese commercial, corporate and regulatory legislation.
• Strong expertise in commercial contracts, corporate matters, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, advertising, promotions and product-related regulations.
• Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities.
• Excellent legal risk assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business recommendations.
• Strategic thinking with strong judgment and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior executives.
• Strong leadership, team management and people development capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growing and changing business environment.
• Fluent English with strong capability in legal drafting, negotiation and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Vietnamese Lawyer Practicing Certificate is an advantage.
• Experience working in a large corporation, regional group or multinational organization.
• Experience in M&A, investment, restructuring, corporate governance or strategic transactions.
• Experience establishing or transforming a Legal & Compliance function.
• Experience working closely with Board members, C-suite executives and external legal advisors.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive executive-level compensation package, commensurate with experience and capabilities.
• 13th-month salary and annual performance bonus based on Company/business performance.
• KPI and performance-based incentives in accordance with Company policy.
• Healthcare and 24/7 accident insurance.
• Comprehensive benefits and executive-level exposure.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the Legal function of a growing consumer business.
• Direct exposure to Executive Management and strategic business decisions.
• Opportunity to participate in major commercial, M&A, investment, expansion and transformation projects.
• Professional, dynamic and growth-oriented working environment.