Senior Legal Counsel

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organization.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our values every day. Come be a part of this journey!

BAT VIETNAM IS LOOKING FOR A SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL (MARKETING)

FUNCTION:Legal

SALARY RANGE: Competitive market salary + Bonus scheme + Excellent benefits

LOCATION: Vietnam

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

Accountable for delivering strategic legal guidance to ensure the company’s marketing practices are in full compliance with both local and international regulations, while proactively managing legal risks. This role involves high-level coordination with local, regional, and global teams on regulatory matters, offering expert advice on complex legal issues, and overseeing the structuring and negotiation of significant commercial transactions. The position also provides strategic legal support to the Marketing function, ensuring adherence to legal standards and best practices.

Additionally, the Senior Legal Counsel is expected to lead efforts in continuous learning and development within the Legal department, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. This role includes managing compliance issues, representing the company in marketing-related litigation, and driving the evolution of the marketing legal team to meet emerging challenges and opportunities.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

Business

• Strategic Legal Analysis: Lead comprehensive legal analysis and engage with local, regional, and global teams to address draft regulations impacting BAT’s business operations in Vietnam.
• Regulatory Driver: Oversee and drive regulatory updates across the organization, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
• Regulatory Representation: Represent the Legal team in Regulatory Committee Meetings, including providing insightful legal commentary and analysis for Regulatory Horizon Scanning
• Legal Partner for Marketing: Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Marketing function, offering strategic legal opinions, guidance on regulatory issues, and overseeing the preparation and finalization of legal documents for daily operations.
• Commercial Transactions: Expertly structure, negotiate, draft, and advise on significant commercial transactions, ensuring alignment with legal and strategic objectives.
• Policy Guidance: Provide authoritative guidance on the application of group policies, procedures, and governance, with a particular focus on marketing regulations, responsible marketing practices, and antitrust laws.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Actively contribute to problem-solving and decision-making across all business areas, leveraging legal expertise to support strategic goals.
• Litigation Management: Represent the company in litigation matters related to marketing, managing legal risks and advocating for the company’s interests.
• Collaborative Support: Offer support and backup to other legal counsels within the department as required, ensuring a cohesive legal function.

People

• To strive to promote an environment where people are encouraged to value continuous learning and focus on personal and team improvement in order to realise individual and team potential. Foster a winning environment through effective communication between employees and management. 
• Playing an active role within function to build and sustain an effective ‘One Team’ concept, support an integrated capable high performing Legal Team.
• Development of Marketing Legal Team: Lead the development of the marketing legal team by facilitating development opportunities, ensuring the team is equipped with capabilities to tackle evolving legal challenges and support business objectives effectively.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum of 10 years' experience working for law firms/consulting companies or in similar roles within multinational corporations.
• Bachelor Degree in Law on any related field from a recognized law university.

• Technical skills
• In-depth understanding of the legal framework applicable to the tobacco industry.
• Proficiency in commercial laws, including contract law, investment law, commercial law, intellectual property law (trademark law), competition law, tax law and labor law.
• Familiarity with the taxation system & regulations of Vietnam.
• A sound understanding of process of enactment of legislation.
• Good understanding of commercial aspects.
• Project management skill.
• Advanced English communication and legal writing.

• Personal Attributes
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Logical/strategic/analytical thinking.
• Good organizational skills and time management.
• Strong influencing and problem-solving skills; with the ability to work with peers and senior management, inspiring trust and confidence.
• Independent working.

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business.