Legal Counsel

The British American Tobacco Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global tobacco company in Kuala Lumpur is looking for a Legal Counsel at mid-management level. You will provide expert legal advice and guidance across multiple functions, ensuring compliance with laws while managing risks. Responsibilities include counseling business functions, leading litigation, and drafting agreements. Ideal candidates should possess a recognized law degree and at least 5 years of experience in corporate and commercial areas. Strong communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia are essential. The role provides a competitive salary along with excellent benefits and a market-leading bonus.

Benefits

Excellent employee conditions

Global Returners program

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate & commercial law.
• Strong command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to ensure compliance with laws.
• Lead litigation activities and collaborate with external counsels.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks in operations.

Skills

Legal advice

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Recognized law degree

Job description

BAT Malaysia

Position: Legal Counsel

Seniority Level: Mid Management Level

Function: Legal & External Affairs

Salary Range: Basic salary + excellent benefits + market leading bonus

Location: Damansara City, KL

Role Positioning and Objectives

The role is responsible for providing expert legal advice and strategic guidance to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigate risks and support business objectives across multiple functions. Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders and lead initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and legal governance.

Reports to: Senior Legal Counsel

Reporting Level: Manage Self & Others

Geographic Scope: Direct Reporting Business Units

What You Will Be Accountable For

• Counsel the business functions in legal matters as part of the Legal team, to ensure compliance with legislation and provide comprehensive risk assessment when interpreting ambiguous legislation.
• Lead the litigation activities and cases including strategizing and collaborating closely with external counsels, supervising the progress of cases and providing management with regular updates.
• Supervise industry relevant regulatory and litigation developments, provide timely impact analysis into the business and regulatory planning processes, anticipate potential threats to the business.
• Involvement in planning, projects and day to day operations of the business, monitoring and counselling during the creative process in order to ensure legal compliance.
• Draft and counsel on business‑related agreements, deliver effective and easy‑to‑use contract templates to ensure that BATM Group’s interests are adequately protected and in accordance with the BATM standards and policy.
• Provide transactional (negotiation and documentation) counsel to the business.
• Counsel the business in tobacco control laws, anti‑competition, data protection and other relevant matters.
• Interpret and implement new legal frameworks, ensuring compliance across business units.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements; manage contract lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks in operations and strategic projects.
• Advise on governance frameworks and compliance audits.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (supply chain, marketing, finance).
• Support crisis management, regulatory engagement, statutory filings and product recall processes.
• Mentor team members and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver compliance training programs to the business.
• Advise on technology‑related legal risks, including IP and cybersecurity.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

• Possess a recognized law degree with at least 5 years’ working experience in corporate & commercial area.
• Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Possess strong writing, drafting, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Adaptable to handle matters on an independent basis and is also a good team player.
• Good commercial and business sense, with the ability to bring authoritative advice and problem‑solving skills to the business functions.
• A standout colleague who is able to work with peers and senior management with strong influencing, analytical and problem‑solving skills, encouraging trust and confidence.
• Strategic thinking, proactive, organized, resourceful and cost‑conscious.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty.

Why Join BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio‑economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.