Reporting to the Regional Counsel, the Legal and Compliance Lead will work closely with various stakeholders to develop and implement an appropriate and effective legal and compliance strategy and program to enable the Company to comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards. In addition, the Legal and Compliance Lead shall provide legal advice and guidance to the Company on legal matters including but not limited to contracts, employment issues, etc.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategy, Planning and Legal Counsel

Develop and implement an effective compliance strategy, program and infrastructure, including compliance monitoring program and plan to enable the business to comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards.
Provide accurate and timely legal advice and guidance on matters of local legislations, legal documentations including deeds and contracts, and in variety of other legal topics. This includes collaborating with management to devise efficient defense strategies.
Draft and review legal documents and where required, represent the company in negotiations to ensure that the organization remains compliant to the law and at the same time that Company's interest and full legal rights are protected.
Apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advice on possible legal issues.
Communicate and negotiate with external parties (regulators, external counsel, public authority etc.), creating relations of trust.
Develop and maintain strategy and communications for relevant regulators and government agencies (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Social Security Commission, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, Department of Health, local government units, and National Privacy Commission).
Develop and implement an effective education, training and awareness program for uplifting legal and compliance awareness within the Company.
Collaborate and work closely with Group Legal and Compliance Teams to effectively manage legal and compliance risks.
The incumbent can likewise function as DPO.

Policy, Process and Procedures

Monitor, advise and report on regulatory changes impacting the business and any requirements or actions to be implemented
Monitor, review, and report on legal and compliance, including coordinating and consolidating reports of legal and compliance issues to the appropriate senior heads
Develop, review, implement and maintain appropriate compliance policies and procedures and training programs and activities
Monitor, report and investigate compliance incidents or breaches, including reporting to senior management and advise on remedial action
Report breaches to regulators and responding to regulator's enquiries
Ensures adherence to applicable compliance obligations.
Draft and review legal documents and communications.
Engage outside counsel (when necessary and appropriate) after obtaining the necessary approvals, and manage the process of selecting, hiring, monitoring, paying and providing guidance and direction to such outside counsel.
Provides advice on the development and effectiveness of compliance controls
Assist to obtain and maintain all relevant business licenses in the appropriate geographies
Promote good governance and an appropriate compliance behaviour and culture
Assist business units to understand and implement legal and compliance obligations, controls, and processes
Support the preparation, review and presentation of compliance materials for governance leadership committees

Job Requirements:

10+ years as a compliance/law professional, with experience in corporate, contract and employment law, and in supporting a compliance program
Solid understanding of regulations and experience in interacting with regulators, auditors, etc
Ability to anticipate, monitor and manage compliance risks and potential legal issues.
Ability to analyze industry regulations, compliance requirements, and changes in legislation. Subsequently adapt and develop policy and procedures to meet requirements.
Ability to manage complex compliance and legal matters with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills who can interact with employees of all levels and operate well in a collegial working environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Detail-oriented, motivated, creative problem solver, and an independent thinker.

Legal and Compliance Director