Head of Legal

A leading global firm is seeking a Head of Legal to guide and inspire their Manila-based team within the legal function.

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of legal shared services, working closely with colleagues across the region. You will play a key part in delivering integrated legal support to business units worldwide, while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development. If you are passionate about operational excellence and eager to make a meaningful impact on a global scale, this position provides an exceptional platform for your expertise. Enjoy the benefits of flexible working opportunities, exposure to international best practices, and the chance to nurture both your own career and those of your team members.

What you'll do:

As Head of Legal, you will be entrusted with guiding a talented Manila-based team dedicated to providing world-class legal support across multiple regions. Your days will be filled with opportunities to foster a positive team culture rooted in collaboration and shared success. You will work closely with senior leaders to develop strategies that drive operational excellence while ensuring your team has the resources they need to thrive. By championing process improvements and nurturing professional growth among your colleagues, you will help deliver outstanding service quality to business units around the globe. Your ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally, will be essential as you act as a trusted advisor on all matters related to legal. With responsibility for financial oversight as well as stakeholder engagement at every level, you will play a central role in shaping both the present operations and future direction of this vital function.

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external counsel, regulatory bodies, and government entities to act as the primary contact for key legal matters.

• Design, enhance, and streamline legal processes, policies, and governance structures to strengthen operational efficiency and risk management across the organisation.
• Develop and execute the organisation’s legal strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and collaboration with regional and global partners.
• Establish and deliver training programs on legal and compliance topics to build internal capability and ensure business units understand relevant legal obligations.
• Lead talent development initiatives by conducting performance evaluations, creating succession plans, mentoring legal team members, and driving career growth pathways.
• Manage the legal department’s financial performance, including budget monitoring, vendor management, and cost-efficient utilisation of resources.
• Oversee resource planning and budget allocation for the legal department, including talent acquisition, capacity planning, and optimisation of legal resources.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports on legal risks, key matters, and departmental performance to senior leadership and the board.
• Provide strategic leadership to the legal function, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture that promotes excellence and accountability.
• Resolve complex legal and operational issues by partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, ensuring timely and sound decision-making.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Legal, your background should reflect deep expertise in legal operations combined with a genuine passion for nurturing talent within diverse teams. Your proven track record managing complex projects, often spanning multiple jurisdictions, will be invaluable as you oversee daily activities while driving long-term strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate brings not only technical proficiency but also emotional intelligence: your ability to communicate openly fosters trust among colleagues at every level. Experience navigating financial planning processes ensures you can balance cost-effectiveness with investment in people development. Above all else, your commitment to building inclusive environments where everyone feels supported sets you apart as someone who truly understands what it means to lead collaboratively on a global stage.

• Bring a minimum of 10 years' PQE in legal leadership roles, including significant exposure to legal operations and management functions within large organisations. Active IBP Membership is mandatory.

• Demonstrate excellent leadership capabilities paired with strong strategic planning skills to effectively guide teams toward shared organisational objectives.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and sound judgement when resolving complex operational or organisational issues using collaborative and solutions-driven approaches.
• Display strong project management skills, ensuring initiatives are executed on time, within scope, and to a high standard of quality.
• Exhibit outstanding communication skills verbal and written with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Foster trusted working relationships through strong interpersonal skills that promote teamwork and productive engagement across departments and external partners.
• Have prior experience leading performance management, career development frameworks, and training programs aligned with organisational capability needs.
• Hold a degree in Law or a related discipline; an advanced degree or professional legal/business certification is considered an advantage.
• Possess proven financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, analysing financial performance, and allocating resources effectively.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual’s contribution is valued. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed to support work-life balance alongside generous opportunities for ongoing learning and professional advancement. The company’s global reach means you’ll collaborate with knowledgeable colleagues from around the world, sharing insights that enrich both personal growth and collective achievement. A focus on continuous improvement ensures that new ideas are welcomed while established best practices are celebrated. Here you’ll find not just a job but a community built on respect, cooperation, and shared purpose, a place where your expertise can flourish alongside others who are equally passionate about making a difference through their work.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge in an environment that values collaboration and professional growth, we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next great opportunity awaits.

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