Position Overview
The General Counsel / Assistant General Manager (Legal) will serve as the principal legal adviser to the CEO, Board, and senior management. This role is accountable for shaping and executing the Group's legal strategy while managing both the Kuala Lumpur corporate office legal department and the Miri headquarters operational legal team. The position requires extensive experience in managing cross-functional legal risks, overseeing compliance frameworks, leading major transactions, and handling litigation and dispute resolution. Regular travel between Kuala Lumpur and Miri is required.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership & Advisory

-Act as principal legal adviser to the CEO, COO, and senior leadership on all legal and compliance matters.
-Provide governance, risk, and compliance guidance to the Board.
-Align legal strategies with business priorities and ESG commitments.

B. Corporate, Commercial & Regulatory Oversight

-Lead legal aspects of corporate transactions including M&A, JVs, capital projects, and divestments.
-Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements (supply contracts, concession frameworks, carbon and community agreements).
-Ensure compliance with Malaysian regulations and international standards, including corporate, land, forestry, ESG, and carbon-related frameworks.

C. Litigation & Dispute Management

-Oversee litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings with significant business impact.
-Manage disputes related to land, environment, marine insurance, and other legal risks.
-Engage, supervise, and evaluate external counsel to ensure effective and cost-efficient outcomes.

D. Stakeholder & Government Engagement

-Maintain strong relationships with regulators, certification bodies, ESG auditors, and government agencies.
-Lead negotiations with state and federal authorities on forestry, carbon, and community-related initiatives.

E. Departmental Leadership

-Direct and coordinate the Kuala Lumpur and Miri legal departments.
-Mentor and develop legal teams to strengthen professional capability and operational efficiency.
-Establish governance frameworks, SOPs, and compliance systems to enhance risk management.

- LL.B or equivalent; LL.M preferred
- Admitted to the Malaysian Bar or equivalent
- 18-25 years PQE with demonstrated in-house legal leadership
- Significant experience in forestry, land, carbon, manufacturing, property, or infrastructure sectors
- Ability to manage multi-jurisdictional teams and advise at board level
- Based in Kuala Lumpur but must manage operations at Miri HQ
- Prepared to travel and lead both strategic and operational legal matters

This position is only open to Malaysian citizens.