SVP, Legal (KL)

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished legal professional to join a prominent, diversified group as the SVP, Legal. This pivotal role is based in Kuala Lumpur, with regular travel to Sarawak and other operational sites, offering you the chance to shape the legal direction of a major organisation with significant interests across hospitality, property, and infrastructure sectors. As the principal legal adviser to the CEO, Board, and senior management, you will be at the heart of strategic decision-making, ensuring robust compliance and risk management while supporting business growth and ESG objectives. The position offers a unique blend of strategic influence and hands-on leadership, overseeing both corporate office and headquarters legal teams.

What you'll do:

As SVP, Legal you will play an instrumental role in shaping the organisation’s approach to risk management while providing trusted advice at board level. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you collaborating closely with executive leadership to ensure that all business activities are underpinned by sound legal guidance. You will oversee major corporate transactions from inception through execution—negotiating terms that protect organisational interests while enabling growth. Your expertise will be critical in navigating complex regulatory environments; you will ensure ongoing compliance with local laws as well as international best practices.

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, COO, Board of Directors, and senior management on all group-wide legal matters including governance, risk management, and compliance strategies.
• Lead all legal aspects of complex corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital projects, divestments, and restructuring initiatives.
• Negotiate and draft sophisticated commercial agreements covering supply contracts, community partnerships, concession arrangements, and more
• Oversee litigation management by leading high-stakes cases involving land disputes, environmental claims, marine insurance issues, arbitration proceedings, and regulatory investigations.
• Engage external counsel effectively to secure cost-efficient representation in contentious or specialised matters while maintaining oversight of case progress.
• Directly manage both Kuala Lumpur corporate office legal department and headquarters operational team by developing talent pipelines and mentoring professionals for enhanced performance.

What you bring:

To excel as SVP, Legal you will bring extensive experience gained from senior roles within large-scale organisations operating across multiple sectors such as forestry or infrastructure. You have demonstrated success advising boards on complex governance issues while leading high-performing teams distributed across various locations. Your ability to navigate intricate commercial negotiations—whether related to mergers or capital projects—will be complemented by your skill in managing contentious disputes through litigation or arbitration channels.

• Hold an LL.B or equivalent qualification; an LL.M is highly desirable for advanced specialisation in relevant areas of law.
• Admitted to practice at the Malaysian Bar or possess an equivalent professional accreditation recognised within Malaysia’s jurisdiction.
• Demonstrate at least 15- 20 years post-qualification experience (PQE) with a proven track record of in-house legal leadership at senior levels within large organisations.
• Exhibit capability in managing multi-jurisdictional teams across different locations while providing cohesive direction aligned with organisational goals.
• Showcase experience advising boards of directors on governance structures as well as risk mitigation strategies tailored for complex business environments.
• Display proficiency in handling major corporate transactions including mergers & acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures (JVs), capital investments or divestments from both commercial negotiation & regulatory perspectives.
• Demonstrate expertise in litigation management—leading dispute resolution processes involving environmental claims or land rights issues—and engaging external counsel when necessary for optimal outcomes.
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills for building trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders (senior executives & board members) as well as external parties (regulators & community leaders).

What sets this company apart:

Joining this organisation means becoming part of a respected industry leader renowned for its commitment to sustainable growth across diverse sectors including forestry management, property development, manufacturing innovation and carbon initiatives. The company places great emphasis on ethical conduct—embedding ESG principles into every facet of its operations—and encourages employees to contribute meaningfully towards long-term value creation for communities it serves. With a supportive leadership team that values collaboration over hierarchy you’ll find ample opportunities for professional development through challenging assignments spanning multiple jurisdictions. The workplace culture is inclusive; knowledge-sharing is actively promoted so everyone can benefit from collective expertise while working together towards shared goals.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on a transformative role where your expertise shapes both business outcomes and sustainability initiatives we encourage you to explore this rare opportunity further.

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next impactful career chapter awaits!

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C