Legal Counsel & China Operations & Infrastructure Risk

Surbana Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy in Singapore is seeking a PRC-qualified lawyer to provide legal support for operations in China. The role includes advising on infrastructure-related legal matters, managing external counsel, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Candidates should possess at least 12 years of experience in PRC legal practice and be fluent in Mandarin to liaise with stakeholders. Join a dynamic team focused on impactful projects that harmonize urban development with environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of legal experience, focusing on PRC legal practice.
• Significant exposure to multinational or large in-house legal roles.
• Proven track record in managing external counsel and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day PRC legal advice on various infrastructure matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate project-related contracts.
• Support corporate governance of PRC subsidiaries.
• Manage external legal counsel for litigation and arbitration.
• Support implementation of Group compliance frameworks in China.

Skills

PRC legal practice

Dispute management

Regulatory compliance

Mandarin fluency

English proficiency

Education

PRC-qualified lawyer with active practising credentials

Job description

Create futures worth inheriting with SJ

At SJ, we’re building identity into infrastructure, character into skylines and peace of mind into everyday life.

A global urban and infrastructure consultancy firm with over 75 years of project delivery success, SJ and its member companies continue a collective legacy that delivers global expertise with local precision.

Become part of our 16,000 client‑centric specialists in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries who shape spaces across the world to meet the needs of today and the aspirations of generations to come.

Located at Jurong Innovation District, a vibrant ecosystem of next‑gen enterprises, the 68,915m2 campus development can accommodate 4,000+ employees, as well as other tenants. SJ Campus pushes the boundaries of sustainable and liveable design. Referred to as ‘campus in nature’, it embodies the character of Singapore as a garden city, integrating urban structure and natural landscape harmoniously while showcasing the deep history and expertise of the group.

Role Purpose

Provide PRC-qualified legal support to Surbana Jurong’s China operations, focusing on infrastructure, construction, energy, transportation, and regulated projects. Ensure regulatory compliance, contract discipline, and alignment between China entities and Singapore HQ.

This role provides a stable legal function, supporting business operations while ensuring the Group’s regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and long‑term ability to operate in China.

Key Responsibilities

1. PRC Legal & Regulatory Advisory

• Provide day‑to‑day PRC legal advice on construction, infrastructure, energy, engineering services, real estate, and operational matters.
• Monitor and advise on PRC regulatory developments affecting infrastructure, transportation, utilities, and government‑linked projects.
• Support regulatory interactions, inspections, and compliance matters in a controlled and documented manner.

2. Infrastructure & Project Contract Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate project‑related contracts, including:
  • Engineering and technical services agreements
  • Construction and facilities‑related contracts
  • Supply, logistics, and long‑term services agreements
• Ensure contracts reflect appropriate risk allocation, compliance requirements, and governance approvals.

3. Governance & Entity Management

• Support corporate governance of PRC subsidiaries, including board processes, internal approvals, and compliance with Group DOA.
• Act as a bridge between Singapore HQ and China management, translating legal and regulatory risk in both directions.
• Support internal audits, ARC reviews, and board queries relating to China legal matters.

4. Dispute Management & Counsel Oversight

• Manage and coordinate external PRC counsel for litigation, arbitration, and regulatory matters.
• Focus on early dispute prevention, structured escalation, and cost‑controlled resolution strategies.
• Maintain disciplined documentation and reporting for disputes involving construction, real estate, energy, or operational issues.

5. Compliance & Risk Management

• Support implementation of Group compliance frameworks in China, including:
  • Contract approval processes
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Internal control and record‑keeping standards
• Identify emerging legal and regulatory risks and elevate appropriately to Group Legal.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• PRC-qualified lawyer with active practising credentials
• Minimum 12 years of legal experience, including:
  • Significant experience in PRC legal practice
  • Exposure to multinational or large in‑house legal roles
• Proven experience advising on:
  • Infrastructure, construction, energy, transportation, or other regulated sectors
  • PRC regulatory and operational risks
• Strong track record in managing external counsel and handling disputes
• Fluent in Mandarin and proficient in English, with Mandarin proficiency required to liaise with Mandarin‑speaking stakeholders in the Greater China region and English proficiency to engage with other stakeholders

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!