Legal Manager

TRADE VENTURES; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

TRADE VENTURES in Malaysia is seeking a strategic Legal Manager to lead the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance functions, safeguarding legal interests and advising management across manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate holds an LLB with Malaysian Bar admission, 15+ years of legal experience including 5+ years in senior leadership in manufacturing or FMCG, with strong negotiation, risk management, and cross‑functional collaboration knowledge, including international exposure in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university with admission to the Malaysian Bar.
• 15+ years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within manufacturing, industrial, FMCG, or edible oil sectors.
• Comprehensive expertise in corporate, commercial, labor, environmental and regulatory laws in Malaysia with knowledge of international frameworks (South Africa and the Middle East).

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee legal strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and governance standards.
• Lead and mentor the internal legal team and coordinate with external counsel.
• Advise management on risk mitigation and compliance improvements; represent the company in legal matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

LLB + Malaysian Bar

Job description

The Legal Manager will lead and oversee all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions within the

organization. This role is responsible for safeguarding the company’s legal interests, ensuring compliance with manufacturing laws and standards, and providing strategic legal advice to management and business units. The ideal candidate possesses strong legal acumen, commercial awareness, and leadership capabilities within the manufacturing industry.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Advisory

• Develop and implement the company’s legal strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Provide expert legal advice to the board, management, and business units on corporate, commercial, and operational matters.
• Anticipate and manage potential legal risks related to manufacturing operations, supply chain, contracts, and employment.

Contracts & Commercial Law

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, distribution agreements, NDAs, and supply chain arrangements.
• Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing standards.
• Manage disputes, contract terminations, and claims efficiently.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations (e.g., Companies Act, Employment Act, OSHA, Environmental laws).
• Oversee licensing, product certifications, environmental compliance, and factory regulations.
• Implement internal compliance frameworks and conduct periodic audits.
• Liaise with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and external legal advisors.
• Manage and oversee all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters.
• Advise management on risk mitigation strategies and compliance improvements.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings when necessary.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor the internal legal team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and consultants.
• Provide legal training to internal teams to enhance contract management and compliance awareness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university; admission to the Malaysian Bar required.
• Over 15 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the manufacturing, industrial, FMCG, or edible oil sectors.
• Comprehensive expertise in corporate, commercial, labor, environmental, and regulatory laws in Malaysia, with a solid understanding of international legal frameworks, particularly in South Africa and the Middle East.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, procurement, and finance teams.