Role: Data centre Head of Legal
Our client is looking for a Head of legal in Singapore.
They are a fast growing data centre operator with great funding and ambitions to grow.
Location: Singapore
Client: Fast‑growing Data Centre Operator
Role Overview
The Head of Legal will lead all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for a rapidly expanding data centre operator. This strategic leadership position supports both Singapore and wider APAC operations, covering data centre development, construction, leasing and colocation agreements, procurement, technology infrastructure, and cross‑border regulatory requirements. The role requires strong commercial legal experience, excellent negotiation capabilities, and deep familiarity with data-centre and real estate sectors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Commercial & Technology Contracts
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of major commercial agreements, including colocation agreements, master service agreements, infrastructure leasing, supplier/vendor contracts, and technology or GPU‑infrastructure procurement deals.
- Structure complex commercial frameworks to support large‑scale data centre deployments while mitigating risk.
2. Data Centre Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
- Advise senior leadership on legal and regulatory requirements relating to data centre operations, including privacy laws (e.g., PDPA), cybersecurity, construction regulations, energy‑related regulations, and cross‑border data transfer obligations.
- Support compliance frameworks, governance processes, internal policies, and regulatory audits across Singapore and other Southeast Asian markets.
3. Corporate, Real Estate & Development Legal Support
- Provide legal guidance on land acquisition, development approvals, construction contracting, project management agreements, and coordination with utilities or telecommunications regulators.
- Work closely with engineering, design, and project teams to ensure data centre development meets all regulatory and contractual requirements.
4. Risk Management & Cross‑Border Legal Support
- Identify legal risks across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., Malaysia, U.S., APAC) and advise on international commercial and regulatory considerations.
- Manage disputes, oversee external counsel, and lead litigation strategy when required.
5. Executive Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a strategic adviser to C‑suite leaders, commercial teams, technical teams, and data‑centre operations management.
- Provide legal leadership for strategic initiatives such as corporate structuring, fundraising, and mergers & acquisitions related to regional expansion.
- Enhance legal operations processes, including playbooks, templates, compliance training, and internal controls.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Data centre or real estate experience.
- LL.B or JD from a recognised institution; qualified to practise law in Singapore.
- 7–12+ years PQE in corporate/commercial law, ideally gained in top law firms or in‑house roles within data centre sector
- Strong experience negotiating complex commercial and technology agreements within data centre or real estate.
- Solid understanding of South East Asia's legal and regulatory environment, including cross‑border compliance matters.
- Fluency in Mandarin and English as working language.
Preferred
- Experience with data centre development, construction contracting, or colocation tenancy frameworks.
- Familiarity with regional legal systems or multi‑jurisdictional regulatory matters.
- Prior leadership experience managing legal professionals or external counsel.
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