Head of Legal & Compliance (Malaysia)

CMA CGM; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global shipping company is seeking a seasoned Legal Counsel to manage all legal and compliance aspects of operations in Malaysia. You will provide strategic legal guidance on contracts, ensure compliance with local and international laws, and support business development initiatives. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of legal experience, including 4 years in senior roles, and possess strong knowledge of maritime regulations. This position emphasizes ethical leadership and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of post-qualification legal experience, including 4 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian laws with exposure to maritime and trade-related legal matters.
• Experience in a multinational company or law firm dealing with shipping or logistics.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to management on contracts and regulatory matters.
• Ensure compliance with local and international trade regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with third parties.
• Support business development and launch of operations in Malaysia.
• Oversee corporate governance and company secretarial matters.

Skills

Legal analysis

Commercial negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Fluency in English

Fluency in Bahasa Malaysia

Education

LLB / Bachelor of Laws

Job description

We are seeking for an experienced Legal Counsel to oversee all legal and compliance aspects of CMA CGM Group in Malaysia. Reporting to the General Manager in Malaysia, with a functional reporting line to the General Counsel – Asia Pacific (based in Singapore), this role provides comprehensive legal support for all Malaysia operations and ensures compliance with local laws and Group policies.

Key areas include managing commercial contracts, supporting business development and projects, handling and resolving legal disputes, supervising corporate governance in collaboration with Company Secretary, and overseeing claims in Malaysia with two direct reports. The role also deploys Group ethics and compliance policies (economic sanctions, anti‑bribery, and data privacy), supports risk management, delivers legal training, and guides teams on regulatory requirements.

The Legal Counsel acts as a trusted, business‑oriented advisor to management and plays a key role in enabling the safe, compliant, and successful growth of the CMA CGM’s business in Malaysia.

Job Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Strategy

Provide legal counsel to senior management and business units on contracts, regulatory matters, employment law, corporate governance, and general business operations.

Ensure compliance with Malaysian legislation, maritime law, and international trade regulations (including customs, shipping & logistics laws, maritime, port, customs, anti‑corruption, sanctions, competition, and employment laws).

Liaise with government authorities (e.g. Marine Department Malaysia, MITI, MIDA, Port Authorities, Customs).

Contract Management

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts with third parties, including real estate, procurement, services, commercial and logistics service agreements.

Support cross‑border transactions and liaise with global legal teams on international matters.

Business Development & Projects

Support CMA CGM Group’s organic and external growth in Malaysia by assessing legal feasibility, preparing and negotiating pre‑contracts (such as MOUs and NDAs), reviewing, drafting, and executing definitive agreements, and providing legal support for the launch and development of operations.

Manage and resolve legal disputes and claims, including customer complaints, incidents and litigation, with the support of two direct reports.

Appoint and coordinate with external counsels as necessary, ensuring cost‑effective and timely resolution.

Represent the company in negotiations and settlement discussions, as necessary.

Corporate Governance

Oversee company secretarial matters for CMA CGM legal entities in Malaysia in collaboration with the Company Secretary, including board meetings, annual general meetings, dividends distribution, administrative changes, and all matters from company setup to winding‑up, and ensure the Group corporate database is accurately maintained and up to date.

Ensure timely filings and adherence to corporate requirements under the Companies Act 2016.

Ethics & Compliance

Advise on ethics & compliance matters in Malaysia, monitor compliance with ongoing, training and filing requirements.

Handle internal queries on regulatory requirements and compliance policies and procedures.

Assist in developing and implementing communication strategy and compliance training programs to assist employees and increase their awareness of the latest legal and ethical standards that apply to their jobs.

Provide relevant regulatory and compliance advisory support and disseminate any changes across the business.

Lead and develop two subordinates (non‑lawyers).

Provide training and guidance to internal departments on legal matters and risks.

Collaborate closely with regional and global legal, compliance, operations, finance, and HR teams.

Work on any other projects and assignments as directed from time to time.

Job Requirements

LLB / Bachelor of Laws from a recognised university; admitted to the Malaysian Bar.

At least 10 years of post‑qualification legal experience, including 4 years in a managerial or leadership role.

Strong knowledge of Malaysian laws and exposure to maritime, logistics, and trade‑related legal matters will be an added advantage.

Prior experience in a multinational company or law firm dealing with shipping, logistics, or transportation will be an added advantage.

Experience handling government liaison and regulatory matters in Malaysia.

Fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia; proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.

Strong legal analysis and commercial negotiation skills.

Leadership and people management capabilities.

High integrity and strong ethical standards.

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and prioritise effectively.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Able to manage multiple projects while reporting progress and keeping track of deadlines.

High integrity, resourcefulness, and ability to work independently and provide solutions in a fast‑paced environment.