Legal Counsel, Marketing

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE: Legal Counsel (Marketing)

FUNCTION: Legal Affairs

SUB FUNCTION: Marketing Legal

CITY & COUNTRY: Selangor, Malaysia

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

Provide specialized commercial legal advice and expertise to BAT’s global Marketing function. The primary focus of this role is to deliver proactive and business-relevant legal counselling of an exceptional professional standard on Marketing arrangements, in particular global marketing supplier relationships and contracts, having the ability to independently manage global marketing contracts comprehensively, from drafting through to execution. Key stakeholders are Procurement, Marketing, Category Counsels and SME’s and the role requires ability to counsel on issues, drafting and reviewing contracts for strategic brand development and the provision of marketing professional services. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Legal Partnering:

• Acting as commercial counsel to the Marketing function, with a focus on all aspects of any procurement, supplier relationships and provide strategic input to support any Marketing business initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior management to shape deal structures and influence decision-making at early stages.
• Support and guide local legal teams on application or global agreements at the local level.

End-to-End Contract Management:

• Independently manage global marketing contracts comprehensively, from drafting through to execution. Ensure contracts are aligned with business objectives and BAT positions and policies while mitigating legal and commercial risks.
• Structuring, negotiating, drafting, and guide on execution of Marketing transactions including services agreements with marketing agencies for all types of agreements including marketing agency, sponsorship, licensing, digital media, talent, communication, consumer research services, secondment, intra-group agreements and non-disclosure agreements. 

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identifying and mitigating legal risk (e.g. related to intellectual property, data privacy, advertising standards, and regulatory compliance) in proposed and operational marketing arrangements, advising on the commitment to improvement and resolution of contractual disputes, and contract termination. 
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, Responsible Marketing Frameworks, and external legal requirements.
• Providing guidance on application of Group policies, procedures and governance.
• Advising on the presentation of proposed Marketing transactional matters for consideration and approval by the Marketing leadership team or other appropriate board or committee.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes and contractual improvements, working with external counsel where necessary.
• Support internal investigations and remediation efforts related to marketing practices or contractual breaches.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Providing strategic legal advice and counselling directly to Marketing, Procurement and Finance senior managers to support the operation of key contractual arrangements in place with suppliers.
• Co-Lead legal workstreams for high-impact marketing projects (e.g. RFP), coordinating across internal legal, compliance, and commercial teams.
• Represent Legal in cross-functional governance forums and contribute to strategic business planning.
• Instructing and managing external legal counsel in relation to complex, high profile and/or strategically important transactions and other advice, reviewing output, and controlling and approving spend

Contract Lifecycle and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain Marketing Toolkits including contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Provide training and guidance to marketing and procurement teams on legal standard methodologies, contract process flows and risk awareness.
• Foster strong relationships with local and global legal teams and external partners to ensure seamless collaboration, information flows and successful execution of global agreements and

Role model our BAT Values

• Truly inclusive, Stronger together, Do the right thing, Love our consumer, Passion to win and Empowered through trust

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

Experience Required

• Significant experience and expertise in commercial law and practice, with a proven track record of advising on complex and high-value global frameworks agreements.
• Experienced and able to independently manage global marketing contracts end-to-end and through contract life cycle, from drafting through to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to align legal advice with business strategy, ensuring contracts support commercial objectives while mitigating legal and reputational risks

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Solid contract drafting proficiency with an ability to draft, improvise and advise on a wide range of complex commercial agreements, able to identify and advise on legal, compliance, operational risk and cross-border issues. 
• Able to deliver high-quality, accurate and fit-for-purpose deliverables that meets BAT standards with a strong attention to detail while balancing efficiency and practicality.
• Possesses leadership, negotiation and project management skills to manage multiple global partners during contract negotiations,  ability to plan, manage priorities effectively, deliver in high-pressure scenarios and ensure timely decision making.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership, accountability over responsibilities, independently and pro-actively able to complete and resolve matters with minimal oversight
• Problem solving and pragmatic with a commercial approach and a strong bias for action. Takes initiative to work proactively keeping momentum and helping teams to make timely and informed decisions. 
• Has a growth mindset with a hands-on and flexible attitude, adaptable and resilient in managing unexpected situations, ensuring consistent delivery of quality outcomes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a high degree of emotional intelligence able to navigate contentious conversations and find mutually acceptable solutions in high-pressure negotiations.
• A keen collaborator who invests in building relationship and trust with peers and partners, promoting a supportive, high-performing team culture. 
• Good awareness of legal issues relating to intellectual property, competition, employment, tax, and compliance (e.g., sanctions, anti-bribery) to enable potential issues to be identified at an early stage and able to clearly and effectively communicate the risk and proposed solution.
• Good operational kowledge and understanding of the business in order to support business growth whilst managing legal risk
• Combine a blend of legal expertise, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving. They should excel in collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning, making them effective in building relationships and adding value.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• English (or equivalent) qualified lawyer with minimum of 8 years’ post qualification experience gained in a large national or international law firm or as in-house counsel for a major multi-national company.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Able to quickly adapt to new technologies and comfortable working with legal tech tools and digital platforms to improve efficiency

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.