Regional Head of Legal, Manufacturing

Our client is a leading global distributor and solutions provider with a strong presence across Asia Pacific, supporting customers across a range of industrial and specialty sectors. As part of its continued growth and strategic expansion, the business is seeking an experienced Regional Head of Legal, Manufacturing to lead its legal function across the region.

Reporting directly to the APAC CEO, with a functional reporting line to the Global General Counsel, this is a highly visible leadership role that combines strategic business partnering, commercial legal leadership, compliance oversight, corporate governance, and M&A execution.

Key Responsibilities of this Regional Head of Legal, Manufacturing:

• Serve as a trusted legal and strategic advisor to the APAC leadership team.
• Lead all legal, compliance and corporate governance matters across multiple APAC jurisdictions.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including distribution, agency, procurement, leasing and strategic commercial contracts.
• Provide pragmatic legal advice to support business growth while managing legal and commercial risk.
• Lead legal workstreams for mergers, acquisitions, integrations and other strategic projects across the region.
• Manage litigation, disputes and external counsel relationships.
• Drive the implementation and enhancement of compliance policies, training programmes and governance frameworks.
• Partner closely with global stakeholders to standardise legal processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor and develop a regional legal team while managing external legal spend and budgets.
• Champion legal innovation and technology initiatives to enhance legal operations.

Key Requirements of this Regional Head of Legal, Manufacturing:

• Qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience gained in a leading law firm and/or multinational corporate environment.
• Extensive experience supporting complex businesses across the Asia Pacific region.
• Proven track record leading legal aspects of cross-border M&A transactions and strategic business initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence senior executives and business leaders.
• Experience managing and developing legal teams across multiple jurisdictions.
• Skilled in navigating a complex, fast-paced and matrixed multinational environment.
• Exposure to distribution, manufacturing, chemicals, life sciences, industrials or related sectors will be viewed favourably.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.