Legal & External Affairs Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal & Compliance

Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts (distribution, supply, sponsorship, employment, and partnerships).

Advise on and assess compliance with alcohol laws, trade regulations, advertising codes, consumer protection, and competition law across multiple markets.

Oversee dispute resolution, litigation management, and liaise with external counsel when required.

Develop, implement, and monitor compliance policies, ethics guidelines, and governance frameworks.

2. Regulatory Affairs

Monitor and interpret regulatory developments affecting alcohol import, distribution, excise duties, labelling, and marketing.

Act as the company's primary point of contact with government agencies for licenses, product approvals, and audits.

Support advocacy efforts with trade associations and industry bodies to shape favorable business conditions.

Ensure compliance with packaging and labelling requirements across markets.

3. External Affairs & Government Relations

Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, policymakers, trade chambers, and NGOs.

Represent the company in industry associations, policy dialogues, and public forums.

Develop strategies to manage external stakeholders and promote responsible drinking, sustainability, and corporate responsibility initiatives.

4. Corporate Affairs & Brand Protection

Assist with anti-counterfeit and brand protection programs.

Support crisis management and communications planning for regulatory or reputational challenges.

Ensure marketing, events, and sponsorships comply with relevant laws and industry codes.

5. Internal Advisory & Training

Provide day-to-day legal advice to business functions including sales, marketing, HR, and supply chain.

Deliver compliance and ethics training to employees (anti-bribery, anti-corruption, marketing restrictions, competition law).

Establish risk management systems to proactively address potential legal and regulatory issues.

6. Reporting & Management

Report regularly to senior leadership on key legal, regulatory, and political developments in Southeast Asia.

Manage external legal advisors effectively to ensure cost-efficient and quality outcomes.

Provide strategic input on business decisions, expansions, and partnerships.

PERSONAL SPECS

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor of of Law (and Commerce an advantage)

710 years experience in legal, corporate affairs, or regulatory roles, ideally within FMCG, alcohol, or heavily regulated industries.

Demonstrated expertise in legal and regulatory frameworks.

Proven experience in stakeholder management and government relations.

Strong contract negotiation, drafting, and advisory skills.

Key Competencies

Understanding of corporate, trade, and regulatory law.

Strong relationship-building and lobbying skills with government and trade bodies.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills in English

Strategic thinker with strong risk management capability.

High ethical standards, integrity, and business acumen.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment with cross-border responsibilities.

Success Metrics

Regulatory compliance across markets.

Strengthened government and industry body relationships.

Efficient contract management and risk mitigation.

Positive corporate reputation and brand protection.

Effective internal training and compliance awareness.