Legal Counsel - Global Life Sciences Giant - 18M JPY

Responsible for handling all legal matters in Japan, this role provides legal guidance to local teams and manages relationships with external law firms. The position reports directly to the Head of Legal for Japan.

Key Responsibilities

Advising local staff on legal issues such as contracts, negotiations, unfair competition, subcontracting, employment law, and trademarks.

Managing relationships with external legal counsel in Japan.

Supporting the rollout of global policies and ensuring compliance with local laws, industry standards, and internal procedures.

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and operational agreements.

Collaborating with HR, Finance, EHS, Supply Chain, and other teams to maintain legal compliance across all functions.

Tracking changes in Japanese laws that impact the business and delivering timely updates or training to relevant teams.

Overseeing litigation and dispute resolution matters involving the Japan operations.

Admitted to practice law. Preferably in Japan and/or an English-speaking jurisdiction

Experience working in an international environment with multiple stakeholders, but commercial and functional

Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines

Excellent communication skills in Japanese and English

Ability to travel occasionally within Japan and sometimes internationally

Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision