Legal Counsel - Corporate and Compliance

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!

The role shall provide best in class legal and risk advisory counselling to the APMEA North DRBU by providing proactive leadership in the delivery and implementation of key aspects of legal risk advisory strategic agenda.  More specifically, this Legal Counsel role is primarily responsible for advising and supporting all areas of Corporate and Compliance for the BAT Japan legal entity and overseeing the delivery of legal risk advisory to other Markets within the DRBU, with a particular focus on corporate governance, SoBC compliance through advising on the full suite of compliance risks, as part of BAT’s Delivery with Integrity Programme.

Business Partnering with Key Functional Stakeholders

Acting as an experienced Legal Counsel with a focus on managing BAT’s corporate governance and compliance risks, by establishing, driving, and leading effective business partnering with all areas of the business to support corporate governance, and compliance. Ability to independently lead and manage complex issues with minimal supervision.

Corporate Governance responsibilities include:

• Review and assess all key corporate governance processes for BAT Japan and document the same. Strengthen business governance processes including corporate secretarial.
• Be a standing member of Project Sweeper, run by the finance team, and support proactive and commercially focussed legal counselling to that forum.
• Lead and manage Control Navigator processes as well as the bi-annual risk review, partnering with the Finance team.
• Support the triage of commercial contracts for onward management by GBS or internal management (Japanese language).  

Compliance responsibilities include:

• Lead and drive change for the Delivery with Integrity programme and risk advisory services across Japan and supporting the Area.
• Drafting Area DRBU or End Market bespoke policies, processes and procedures (with minimal supervision) and leading change management through cascading new ways of working through risk-based training.  Providing support on effectiveness testing and continuous improvement through regular review.
• Create and provide training and awareness of all aspects of Delivery with Integrity programme.
• Foster collaborative ways of working and align with all End Markets across the DRBU to promote consistency.
• Ensure participation in the Global Integrity Network and feedback key messaging to the rest of the Legal Team.
• Support arrangements and strategic contracts which involve compliance deviation requests and provide practical and commercially focussed input to support business initiatives whilst preserving the Group approach to risk.
• Working with the security, support and oversee delivery of legal risk advice in the management of security risks (primarily Korea). Monitor, advise on, and strengthen the BCP suite of processes.
• Identifying and mitigating compliance risks in proposed commercial arrangements (including risks relating to competition, intellectual property, data protection, tax, and compliance risks).
• Work with the Global Corporate Compliance Team in GBS to support the onward tracking and management of CRA Compliance risk under the ongoing ‘Project Neptune’ into BAU.
• Advising, and presenting on corporate governance and compliance risks for consideration and approval by the appropriate leadership team or committee.
• With a strong approach to continuous improvement, monitor and assess the strength of all aspects of the compliance programme and provide legal advice and guidance on measures of improvement where required.
• Provide detailed compliance reports to document the health of the compliance approach twice yearly.  Prepare, and provide updates on the compliance programme to the ALT at Governance monthly meetings.
• Support the ongoing Project Sweeper with all legal compliance risks.
• Provide regular guidance and training on key areas of risk such as competition laws, and SoBC compliance.
• Drive a positive compliance culture of integrity and ethical behaviours across the Group.  Promoting corporate compliance ‘DNA’ into the ways of working within the business.

Demonstrate Proactive Business Partnering & Trusted Advisor

• Drive proactive solutions which offer strengthened 3rd party risk management through simpler ways of working.
• Establish the role as a trusted member of the DRBU.
• Understand stakeholders’ key demands and perspectives, implementing good stakeholder engagement and management practice to meet their needs. 
• Educate business stakeholders colleagues and demonstrate exceptional communication skills to influence decision making (particularly in complex legal matters).
• Deliver regular training and awareness sessions on key areas of business risk, such as data privacy (including IDT / Cyber Risk partnering with IDT), competition laws, G&E / T&E processes and procedures, BCP, and Security to ensure full understanding of the Delivery with Integrity program, together with all areas of business legal risk.  Cultivate a network of collaborative relationships at all levels within APMEA North and beyond which are based on mutual trust to ensure the best outcome for BAT as a whole.  Promote a healthy, engaged, diverse and inclusive working environment within the wider DRBU.

Culture, Diversity & Inclusion

• Role model our BAT Values (Truly inclusive, Stronger together, Do the right thing, Love our consumer, Passion to win and Empowered through trust)
• Partner with, and act as trusted advisor, to the Talent, Culture, & Inclusion Team (HR) on all matters.

• Fluency in English. Highly organised and proven track record of leading and managing high volume workstreams.
• Proven track record of advising on complex compliance issues including cross-border requirements such as transactions and other operations contractual arrangements.
• Proven ability to enable potential governance and compliance issues to be identified at an early stage of a transaction or initiative.
• Qualified lawyer in one or more jurisdictions; previous compliance and corporate governance experience essential together with experience in at least one End Market.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively at all levels within the organisation with a particular focus on change management, continuous improvement, training & awareness and effectiveness testing.
• Minimal management supervision required; leadership excellence and proactive engagement at all levels; proven ability to delivery excellent organisational skills and timely cycling planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trusted and effective relationships with peers and stakeholders. Ensuring good information flows between business contacts, Legal, and other business partners about business initiatives to optimise commercial opportunities and manage risks.
• Excellent leadership skills; an ability to motivate and lead/influence others (including persuasive presentation skills) able to translate concepts into easily understandable format and to communicate these clearly, both orally and in writing, with all levels of management.
• Strong interpersonal skills; leader in people development; proven track records of excellent Line Management skills.
• Excellent legal drafting skills with an ability to identify and advise on compliance risk and cross-border issues.
• Strong negotiation and project management skills, and ability to plan, anticipate and manage priorities to optimise output and enhance the effectiveness of commercial solutions throughout key commercial lifecycles and SoBC allegation management.
• Business acumen in order to advise the business on how to deliver results whilst managing legal risk.
• Hands-on and flexible attitude, sound commercial judgement, and ability to work under pressure and to cope with unexpected and varied demands.
• Strong awareness of legal issues relating to SoBC allegations, data privacy, competition, intellectual property, employment in Japan/Korea/Taiwan, tax and other compliance topics (e.g. sanctions, ABAC) to enable potential issues to be identified at an early stage of a transaction or initiative.
• 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.
• Ability to express legal issues in a straightforward and compelling way to internal and external stakeholders.

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.