Head of Legal Development and Operations Asia

AAPC SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality firm in Singapore is seeking an experienced Head of Legal Development and Operations Asia to lead a regional legal team. This role involves mentorship, overseeing legal aspects of hotel development, and acting as a strategic partner to business leaders. The ideal candidate will have a law degree and over 10 years of PQE in commercial law, with experience in international settings being preferred.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial or transactional law.
• Experience in legal development and operations roles is preferred.
• Strong business acumen and strategic vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of three legal professionals across Asia.
• Act as a strategic legal partner to the business and general counsel.
• Oversee legal aspects of hotel development and operations.

Skills

Commercial law expertise

Strategic vision

Strong legal analysis

Experience in international environments

Education

Law degree

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Legal Development and Operations Asia to lead our regional legal team and support strategic business initiatives across development and operations. This role is pivotal in driving legal excellence, operational efficiency, and business partnership across our hospitality network in Asia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of three legal professionals across Asia.
• Act as a strategic legal partner to the business, General Counsel MEA APAC, and Legal Co-Director MEA APAC.
• Oversee legal aspects of hotel development and operations, including drafting and negotiating HMAs/HFAs and related agreements.
• Simplify and standardise contract management processes and industrialise legal workflows.
• Provide legal advice on franchise, ownership changes, exits, and operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements and other relevant laws (e.g., antitrust, agency).
• Develop and maintain legal templates and know-how resources.
• Supervise external counsel and manage legal budgets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Law degree with at least 10+ years PQE (or equivalent) in commercial or transactional law.
• Experience in Legal Development & Operations roles preferred.
• Proven track record in international environments; hospitality or franchise experience is a plus.
• Strong business acumen and strategic vision.
• High standards of legal analysis, decision-making, and independent work.