Position Overview:
The global Legal function is a future focused organization committed to unlocking the growth potential of The Coca-Cola Company through unrivaled business partnerships. We are technology enabled, innovative thinkers, network problem solvers, value creators and inclusion champions. We are currently seeking a Director/ Senior Director, Legal Counsel for Japan & South Korea, who would provide support and advice across the various functions within the Japan & South Korea Operating Unit (JSK OU) and other international projects. This role will ultimately be based in Tokyo, Japan.
What You’ll Do for Us
- Provide proactive, creative and strategic legal counseling and support in problem resolution on a timely basis as a strong business partner; work as part of cross-functional teams on projects and initiatives to achieve the Company’s purpose of “Refresh the World, Make a Difference”. Build and maintain relationship with key stakeholders that will enable to provide such strategic counseling and support.
- Proactively provide legal opinion as needed, conduct legal research and, where necessary, work with outside counsel for advice on complex matters and local laws/regulations.
- Draft, review, and negotiate key legal contracts to achieve business objectives, minimize risk and ensure compliance with Company policies, laws, and regulations.
- Provide litigation assessment counseling and risk mitigation advice and coordinate litigation and related documentation in collaboration with the other members of the Global Legal Function and the outside counsel.
- Participate in cross-functional projects on innovation, new product launches and development.
- Represent and/or guide the representation of Company interests in dealing with local governmental authorities.
- Provide general legal and business advice on a case-by-case basis to the business (all functions) including on strategies, business models and M&A projects.
- Ensure compliance with Company policy and provide proper training and support in the areas of corporate governance, including but not limited to the Code of Business Conduct, the Anti-Bribery Policy, the Supplier Guiding Principles, FCPA, trade sanctions, competition and other policies.
- Take a lead role on the legal operation of the OU Legal team, and hold a key role in driving the efficiency and agility of the OU Legal team. Collaborate with the team members as well as the other internal stakeholders (such as the colleagues in the Global Legal Function and the IT team) as necessary.
- Support the OU General Counsel on strategic legal advice and guidance to OU leadership team and represent the JSK OU Legal team as the OU lead in networks for certain subject matters as well as for certain enterprise-wide initiatives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Qualified attorney (licensed in Japan and/or any common-law jurisdiction).
- Work experience: At least 10 years of prior relevant experience.
- Business Partnership and Legal Efficiency: Provide strategic legal support and business solutions to ensure realization of business priorities.
- Contracts and Transactions: Draft, review and negotiate customer, M&A, distribution, procurement, sponsorship, marketing and other contracts with significant authority as per delegation of authority to make final decision on legal issue.
- Ability to be highly organized and effective, handle multiple complex projects and carefully prioritize competing work assignments from many clients.
- Strong communication skills, including written and presentation; ability to influence varied clients.
- Willingness to learn and take on new challenges in the course of performing your responsibilities.
- Language: Japanese and English (at least business level in both) to support the business effectively.
