Head of Legal

POSITION TITLE: Head of Legal
WORK SETUP: Full Time, Onsite
WORK LOCATION: Taguig City
SALARY: PHP 100,000 - 150,000

JOB SUMMARY:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Corporate Lawyer to lead the Legal Department of a dynamic and growing Financing Company in the Philippines. The Legal Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the company remains compliant with all relevant laws, government regulations, and industry standards. The position also involves overseeing the review, negotiation, and facilitation of contracts and legal documents to safeguard the company''s interests and facilitate business operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legal Compliance & Regulation
– Monitor, interpret, and provide strategic guidance on all relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices affecting the financing sector in the Philippines.
– Ensure that the company stays abreast of changes to laws, regulatory requirements, and guidelines issued by local government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
– Advise senior management and stakeholders on the legal impact of changes in regulations, and recommend necessary adjustments to internal policies and procedures.

Contract Management & Negotiation
– Lead the review, drafting, and negotiation of a wide range of contracts, including but not limited to loan agreements, investment contracts, vendor contracts, and partnerships.
– Ensure all contractual agreements are legally sound, protect the company’s interests, and comply with applicable laws and internal policies.
– Manage dispute resolution processes, including any necessary litigation, arbitration, or settlement discussions related to contractual matters.

Corporate Governance
– Provide legal support to the Board of Directors and management in corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with corporate laws, internal bylaws, and shareholder agreements.
– Assist in the preparation of shareholder meetings, board resolutions, and other corporate filings.
– Develop and enforce internal legal policies to ensure ethical standards and compliance with corporate governance principles.

Risk Management
– Identify potential legal risks and proactively recommend strategies to mitigate those risks.
– Advise on the legal implications of business strategies, financial products, and transactions.
– Work closely with other departments (Finance, Operations, etc.) to ensure that legal risks are adequately addressed in business plans.

Legal Support for Business Operations
– Provide legal advice on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, financing arrangements, and regulatory filings.
– Review, draft, and negotiate loan documentation, including terms and conditions for various financial products.
– Ensure compliance with data privacy laws, consumer protection laws, and other regulations relevant to the financing sector.

Leadership & Department Management
– Lead and manage the Legal Department, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development to in-house legal counsel and support staff.
– Coordinate with external legal counsel and law firms when necessary.
– Set departmental objectives, oversee budget management, and drive improvements in legal processes and efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS:
– Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a recognized institution.
– Licensed to practice law in the Philippines (Attorney-at-Law).
– At least 3-5 years of experience as a corporate lawyer, with exposure to the financing or banking industry.
– Proven track record in managing legal teams, negotiating contracts, and handling complex legal matters.
– In-depth knowledge of Philippine corporate laws, banking and finance regulations, and government policies applicable to the financing industry.
– Experience working with government agencies, including the SEC, BSP, AMLC, and other regulatory bodies.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
– Strong leadership, management, and communication skills.
– Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
– Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
– Exceptional negotiation skills and attention to detail.
– Proficiency in contract review, corporate governance, and risk management.