General Counsel

An established multinational organization is seeking a General Counsel to lead its legal function in the Philippines. Based in Manila with a hybrid work arrangement, this role will serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on corporate, commercial, regulatory, governance, and compliance matters. The successful candidate will partner closely with business stakeholders, manage legal risk, and support complex operations within a dynamic and highly regulated environment.

A leading multinational organisation is seeking a General Counsel to join their Manila office, offering you the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping legal strategy and supporting business operations across diverse sectors. This position is ideal for an experienced lawyer who thrives in complex environments and values collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and ethical practice. You will be empowered to influence senior leadership, manage high-level legal matters, and contribute to a culture of compliance and integrity. The organisation is committed to providing flexible working opportunities, ongoing training, and generous pension contributions, ensuring your professional growth and well-being are prioritised. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact within a supportive network, this is your chance to advance your career in a highly respected global setting.

• You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, advising on critical legal issues that shape the direction of the business.
• The organisation offers flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training programmes, and generous pension contributions to support your personal and professional development.
• You will join a collaborative team environment where your expertise in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management will be valued and nurtured.

What you'll do:

As General Counsel, you will be at the heart of the organisation’s legal function in Manila. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with senior executives on strategic decisions while ensuring all business activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. You will oversee contract negotiations, manage external legal resources efficiently, and engage proactively with government bodies. Success in this role requires you to build dependable relationships across departments, provide insightful guidance on risk management and compliance frameworks, and nurture a culture of ethical conduct. Your ability to connect with stakeholders—both internally and externally—will be crucial as you help drive operational excellence within a supportive team environment.

• Provide strategic legal advice to business leaders and senior stakeholders across multiple departments, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts while safeguarding the interests of the company.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and legal service providers to ensure high-quality legal support.
• Engage with government agencies, regulators, and public authorities to address regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.
• Oversee corporate governance frameworks, compliance initiatives, and risk management processes throughout the organisation.
• Support operational businesses by addressing diverse legal needs ranging from commercial transactions to regulatory matters.
• Develop and implement anti-corruption, ethics, and compliance policies in line with international standards.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams to foster trust and effective communication regarding legal matters.
• Advise on industry-specific regulations affecting oil & gas, energy, retail, FMCG, infrastructure, manufacturing, or other highly regulated sectors.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes through knowledge sharing and training opportunities.

What you bring:

To excel as General Counsel in this multinational environment, you will bring deep expertise gained from both reputable law firms and in-house positions within large organisations. Your background should include significant exposure to corporate governance issues as well as regulatory challenges faced by operational businesses. You are adept at navigating complex commercial transactions while maintaining sensitivity towards ethical considerations. Your interpersonal skills enable you to foster trust among colleagues and external partners alike. Experience within highly regulated industries such as oil & gas or energy is particularly valuable; however candidates from retail, FMCG or manufacturing sectors are also encouraged. Graduates from top Philippine universities—including University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda University or University of Santo Tomas—are preferred due to their rigorous academic preparation. Your commitment to continuous learning ensures you stay current on evolving legal standards.

• Qualified lawyer admitted to the Philippine Bar with at least 10-15 years of post-qualification experience.
• Proven track record combining law firm practice with in-house counsel roles within multinational corporations or large organisations.
• Extensive experience handling corporate, commercial, and regulatory legal matters across various industries.
• Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts for complex business transactions.
• Ability to provide clear legal advice to senior leadership while considering broader business implications.
• Demonstrated skill in managing external counsel relationships for optimal outcomes.
• Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, and public authorities on compliance issues.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance structures as well as risk management strategies.
• Familiarity with anti-corruption frameworks, ethics policies, and compliance best practices.
• Excellent communication skills paired with outstanding interpersonal abilities for effective stakeholder management.

What sets this company apart:

What's next:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact as General Counsel within a globally respected organisation that values collaboration and professional development—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.