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Legal Counsel

Istanbul, Turkey

Contract Type Permanent
Career Level Experienced Professional
Function Legal
Salary Range Competitive salary
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Why Legal Affairs? Overview

Why Legal Affairs?

Our industry is changing lightning fast – and we always aim to keep pace with change to enable sustainable growth for A Better Tomorrow™. Our global Legal team are a diverse group of specialists dedicated to empowering our people to act responsibly and manage risks in a complex world. Here they take responsibility for protecting our brands, our people and operations, our products commercial interests, and corporate reputation.

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Why BAT?

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers - It's one of the many reasons we have been named as a Global Top Employer for the eighth consecutive year.

We believe that Leadership shouldn’t be confined to titles. It’s a mindset and through our leading Learning and Development programmes, you’ll continuously develop your skills and experience. With our unwavering support, you’ll work in cross functional teams connecting with industry leaders and expanding your professional network.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

A Better Tomorrow

Building a Smokeless World is no small feat—it’s fueled by the collective efforts of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspective. This is the most innovative chapter in BAT’s history, and you can help shape it.

Strategy and Purpose Brand and Innovation

Legal Counsel

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

British American Tobacco Turkey has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel in Istanbul

  • The Legal Counsel has a key role within the Legal Department, reporting to the Head of Legal and interacting with the key stakeholders of the company’s departments as well as Senior Management Team. The main activity is related to assisting and supporting the core business in relation to commercial policy and strategy, legal compliance, new

product launches and development, training of personnel and supervising team of junior legal counsels.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Business partnering with all departments for legal support to ensure supportive approach and timely resolution of legal issues;
  • Ensure compliance with legal requirements in the area of commercial law, competition, consumer protection law, environment, data protection, employment and focusing on specific legislation for products in portfolio;
  • Provide legal advisory and solutions as a business partner to senior management and key stakeholders when implementing the commercial strategy and policy, including review of marketing materials and promotions, drafting, negotiating and review of Company' contracts, product launches, strategic projects, with a view to supporting products’ and performance growth;
  • Assess and manage legal risk;
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies (SoBC, Responsible Marketing Principles, antitrust, data privacy, anti-financial crime, etc);
  • Coordinate team of junior legal counsels and liaise with external lawyers;
  • Work independently on complex legal projects;
  • Maintain cooperation with relevant local authorities.

What are we looking for?

  • University degree in Law;
  • Min. 10 years working experience in legal & corporate consultancy. Previous professional experience in multinational FMCG/retail company is a plus;
  • Good knowledge of Turkish legislation, robust knowledge of commercial, consumer protection and advertising, competition and data privacy, employment laws;
  • Solid understanding of legal procedures and documentation; familiarity with legal aspects of corporate governance;
  • Multitasking / ability for problem solving and root cause analysis; ethical decision-making;
  • Action oriented, able to work under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to perform and communicate risk assessment and to manage risk;
  • Ability to think tactically and strategically;
  • Ability to delegate effectively and coordinate junior legal counsels; ability to oversee and ensure quality of legal work produced by the team;
  • Leadership skills to manage and develop the legal team;
  • Process improvement skills;
  • Cross-functional thinking and the ability to translate business strategy and needs into function;
  • Excellent communication skills at all levels: legal for non-legal, clarity and pragmatism;
  • Respectful of others and diversity, accepting and adapting to local culture;
  • Adaptability;
  • Accountability;
  • Professional confidence;
  • Fluent spoken and written English;
  • Sharing and living the company values.

What we offer you? ,

  • We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
  • Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
  • Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
  • You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
  • We prioritize continuous improvement within a transformative environment

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.

What we offer you?
•    We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
•    Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
•    Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
•    You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
•    We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

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.

Apply Now

Our Values

At BAT, our values show us the way to bring our purpose to life. Serving as our compass, they navigate every aspect of our path towards A Better Tomorrow™ defining how we innovate, grow, and achieve success while setting high standards for individual achievement and collective progress. Rooted in integrity and collaboration, they empower us as pioneers of change in a world that never stands still ensuring we shape BAT's legacy with confidence and purpose.

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  • Truly inclusive
  • Do the right thing
  • Love for our consumer
  • Passion to win
  • Empowered through trust
  • Stronger together
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Take Control of Your Future with BAT

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers.

We believe that everyone has a place in our organisation. Whether you are seeking mentorship, diversifying your experience through international assignments or embracing innovative work methods, we’re here to propel your career aspirations and unleash your full potential.

We believe in you.
Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

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“As a lawyer, I thrive on the excitement of navigating evolving legal landscapes and advising talented and passionate business stakeholders - in a business that truly lives by its Values. It's incredibly rewarding to play a part in driving strategic objectives and commercial plans, ensuring our ventures are both legally sound and successful.”

Benefits

At our core, we understand your best work happens when you feel fully supported. Our meticulously
designed reward and benefits package are shaped to acknowledge your contributions and to magnify
your impact. As you grow, so do we.

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Social Wellbeing

Wellbeing is better when it’s shared. Benefits that foster a sense of community and connection among employees. The more time we make to give back and share what it means to live well with the communities around us, the closer we’ll be to them. We encourage positive social interactions inside and outside BAT, enhance collaboration, and create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and connected.

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