Lead Corporate Counsel

Job description

About Us

Ryoss is a fast-growing Australian-owned consultancy with global reach, specialising in high-quality outsourcing, business setup, and professional services. As we expand our footprint in the Philippines, we are seeking a seasoned, entrepreneurial individual to head up our Company Incorporation and Corporate Secretarial Services Division. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced legal or corporate governance professional to help build, lead, and shape the future of a key business unit from the ground up.

The Role

As a trusted advisor, you will support both foreign and local clients in establishing business operations in the Philippines. Your involvement spans the entire company formation process, from initial entity registration to ongoing compliance and long-term governance. You will provide practical, hands-on guidance at every stage. Additionally, you will help design workflows, set service delivery benchmarks, work closely with founders, and develop a high-performing team.

This is a lead position, ideal for candidates with direct experience advising international clients on Philippine incorporation and corporate secretarial matters. It is not suitable for junior professionals or those lacking relevant expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Client Advisory & Legal Structuring

• Advise foreign clients on selecting the appropriate business entity (e.g., domestic corporation, branch office, ROHQ, representative office) based on their operational objectives.
• Provide guidance on regulatory requirements, ownership structures, industry-specific capital needs, and compliance considerations.
• Support clients throughout the incorporation process, including SEC, BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and LGU registrations.
• Recommend office location strategies aligned with business functions, available incentives, and compliance risks.

Corporate Secretarial Services

• Serve as, or oversee, the appointed Corporate Secretary to ensure compliance with Philippine legal requirements:

• Draft minutes for Board and Shareholders' Meetings.

• Prepare and file General Information Sheets (GIS).
• Certify corporate actions and issue Secretary's Certificates.
• Maintain the Stock and Transfer Book.
• Notify and update the SEC on all reportable changes.
• Ensure timely compliance with regulatory deadlines and documentation.

Division Leadership & Growth

• Develop, standardize, and manage internal workflows for corporate secretarial and incorporation projects.
• Participate in sales, client onboarding, and service delivery discussions with Ryoss founders.
• Build, lead, and mentor a local team of legal associates and administrative staff as the business expands.
• Help define and deliver a premium client experience consistent with Ryoss Group's global standards.

Who You Are

Required Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years experience in company incorporation, legal consulting, or corporate secretarial services in the Philippines
• Proven experience working with foreign clients setting up business entities locally
• Strong familiarity with Philippine corporate, tax, and regulatory law
• Prior experience as lead consultant or legal counsel on incorporation and post-incorporation projects
• Able to independently manage projects, liaise with government agencies, and meet strict deadlines

Desirable

• Legal background (LLB, JD, or equivalent), with deep understanding of corporate governance
• Experience working in or consulting for a law firm, corporate services provider, or professional services firm
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to build and lead a business unit
• Prior leadership or people management experience is a plus

What We Offer

• The chance to build and lead a new division with global exposure
• Direct collaboration with Australian founders and executive leadership
• A professional yet flexible culture focused on impact, innovation, and client excellence
• Opportunity to grow into a Country Lead or Director-level role
• Competitive compensation with performance and growth-based incentives
• Autonomy and ownership over business strategy and execution

This Role Is For You If You:

• Have led incorporation and governance projects and advised foreign clients
• Thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
• Are ready to build a team, a process, and a reputation from the ground up
• Are seeking not just a job, but a career-defining opportunity with equity potential

Please provide your most recent resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience. Only candidates with direct and proven experience in company incorporation and corporate secretarial delivery will be considered. Candidates applying without a cover letter will not be considered.