Manager - Contract Legal Counsel

SEA LEAD SHIPPING PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipping company in Singapore is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal support across various non-maritime matters. You will manage commercial contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and dispute resolution. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in corporate legal practice and strong negotiation skills. This role is integral to ensuring legal compliance and risk management within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in corporate legal practice.
• Strong experience in contract law and compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of the container liner industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice on HR-related matters.
• Ensure compliance with local and international laws.

Skills

Drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law

Qualified in the UK or Singapore

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job purpose

The Legal Counsel is responsible to support the company’s business and corporate structure by providing legal support across all non-maritime matters, which includes (but not limited to) commercial contracts, corporate governance, HR-related issues, compliance, disputes resolution, litigations and general legal advisory. The role ensures legal risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and efficient handling of internal and external legal matters. This role is pivotal in ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and supporting overall commercial, operational, corporate business across global shipping activities.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts and agreements, including but not limited to Agency Agreements, IT/Software Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and other ancillary commercial agreements.
• Support internal teams during contract interpretation, negotiation and enforcement.

Corporate Legal Support

• Advice, review and manage various corporate legal matters such as Incorporation documents, Corporate governance documents (MOA, AOA, Trade Licenses), Board Resolutions and Director Appointments, Powers of Attorney (POA).
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders and departments on matters involving vessel documentation, regulatory compliance, and corporate secretarial tasks such as preparing KYC documentation and corporate approvals.

Legal Advisory

• Provide legal advice on various HR-related matters, General commercial and operational issues, Dispute resolution and litigation support, Ethics and compliance matters.
• Supporting treasury and financing arrangements across group entities.
• Evaluate and manage legal risks associated with transactional activities and provide strategic advice to mitigate potential liabilities.
• Liaise with external legal counsel and regulators as required.
• Handle dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration cases related to trade contracts and business operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local and international laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with international and local trade laws, regulations and sanctions and other relevant compliance frameworks.
• Support internal audits and regulatory filings.
• Assisting the business navigate cross-border regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters.
• Advise on data protection, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption policies.
• Assist in developing and implementing internal compliance frameworks.

Education requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law from a recognised university.
• Qualified in either the UK or Singapore or with credible private practice experience in such jurisdiction.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in corporate legal practice, preferably in multinational companies or law firms.
• Strong experience in contract law, corporate governance, and compliance.
• Familiarity with IT contracts, agency relationships, and other legal frameworks.
• Familiarity with shipping and logistics regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the container liner industry is preferred.
• Resilient with a sense of urgency and the ability to work well under demanding timelines.
• Proficiency in business applications and IT tools such as SAP, Excel, Microsoft, etc.

Language requirements

Excellent fluency in English.

Competencies and skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive matters.