Legal Counsel (APAC)

A leading IT/software group is hiring its first APAC Legal Counsel in Kuala Lumpur. This is a high‑impact role shaping commercial and IT contract strategy, partnering with senior stakeholders, and driving best practices across the region. Ideal for a commercially minded lawyer who wants to influence major technology initiatives and make a visible difference.

What you'll do:

• As the Legal Counsel (APAC) based in Kuala Lumpur, you will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of third-party IT vendor contracts. Your day-to-day activities will involve leading complex negotiations with suppliers, ensuring that every agreement delivers maximum value while minimising risk exposure for the organisation. You will collaborate extensively with executive stakeholders across various business units, providing guidance on contract strategy, clause interpretation, and risk management.
• create templates and other internal materials that help create consistency and efficiency in terms of contract risk management across the relevant Access group businesses in the APAC region.
• manage a high volume of deals and ensure that sales into APAC markets are consistent with risk, commercial and pricing policies adopted across the Group
• review, draft and negotiate partnership agreements, licence distribution agreements, contract variations, licensing agreements and confidentiality agreements and provide advice to the relevant Project and Sales Managers on the application of terms and conditions of those contracts.
• review supplier contracts as part of our supplier management programme.
• provide strategic support on corporate governance matters for APAC subsidiaries, including advising on subsidiary board structure, director obligations and entity-level governance questions.
• work collaboratively with the wider legal team to execute on the global legal team’s AI and legal operations strategy in the APAC region, including deploying AI tools for contract review, drafting assistance and knowledge management, maintaining the APAC contract repository and matter tracking, and contributing to playbook development.
• support data protection compliance across APAC operations, including under PDPA (Malaysia), the Privacy Act (Australia and NZ) and other applicable regional regimes, working with the Global DPO function.
• act as the primary point of contact for APAC-based stakeholders on all day-to-day legal matters.
• assist the relevant global directors in managing disputes and regulatory matters arising in the APAC region, providing on-the-ground support to UK-based colleagues.
• manage and instruct external counsel across Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, including matter management and cost control across partner firms.
• Report to our UK-based Global Legal Director for Contracts.

What you bring:

To excel as the Legal Counsel (APAC), you will bring extensive experience handling complex IT contracts from inception through completion. Your background should include substantial involvement in negotiating high-value agreements with third-party vendors, ideally within large-scale organisations where stakeholder engagement spans multiple regions or countries. A deep understanding of procurement processes combined with practical knowledge of IT licensing challenges will enable you to navigate intricate contractual landscapes confidently. If you are passionate about achieving outstanding commercial outcomes through collaborative teamwork—and have a track record of delivering results in fast-evolving environments—this role offers an exciting platform for your talents.

• Min.8+ years’ experience and above in commercial contracts, gained in‑house and/or private practice (tech/SaaS strongly preferred)
• Strong drafting, review and negotiation skills, particularly for SaaS and technology agreements
• Confidence managing legal risk across multiple APAC jurisdictions and adapting standard terms to local laws
• AI‑curious and capable: hands‑on experience using AI tools for contract review, drafting or legal ops is a strong plus
• Bonus expertise in areas such as data protection, M&A/corporate, employment law, disputes, or SaaS‑related regulation
• Able to juggle priorities, influence senior stakeholders, and collaborate effectively across time zones
• Pragmatic, commercially minded, and relationship‑driven, with sound judgement and a strong work ethic

Ideal for a collaborative problem‑solver who enjoys ideas‑driven teamwork in a diverse, high‑performing environment.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its commitment to nurturing talent through comprehensive training opportunities and supportive leadership that prioritises employee growth. The company fosters an inclusive workplace where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level, ensuring everyone has access to resources needed for personal development. Above all else, the company’s dedication to ethical standards means you can take pride in contributing towards meaningful outcomes that positively impact both colleagues and customers alike.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in contract management to new heights within a supportive environment that values your expertise—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided below; seize this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team where your contributions truly matter.

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