Senior Legal Counsel

BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.
Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years.
With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan.
We are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Corporate Counsel with a primary focus on corporate and commercial contractual matters, while also playing a critical role in compliance to local statutory and labor law.
As a Senior Corporate Counsel with a focus on corporate and commercial contractual matters and a complementary role in compliance, he/she will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on a wide range of corporate, commercial, and compliance issues. The role will encompass advising on contract negotiations, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance to ensure that the organization in MY and the entities in Asia operate within legal and regulatory boundaries.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in explaining legal concepts and issues to the business and providing succinct, accurate, and comprehensible legal advice.
Ability to understand and take account of business drivers and needs, and to provide advice with appropriate understanding and interpretation of the business and commercial intentions.
Strong influencing, negotiating, and facilitation skills.
Responsibilities
Corporate and Commercial Contracts:

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of corporate and commercial contracts, including but not limited to supplier agreements, client contracts, development, partnership and non-disclosure agreements.
• Ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advise the business departments on various contractual matters pertaining to liability, exposure, obligations etc.
• Identify legal risks and best practice contract structures.
  

Corporate Governance

• Support the local management in MY and throughout Asia as well as the Group General Counsel with expert legal advice on corporate governance matters. Prepare the respective documentation for a proper legal housekeeping.
• Provide professional and practical legal advice based on commercial sense as well as to provide compliance and governance support.
  

Compliance Oversight

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, such as Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) .
• Conduct regular compliance assessments, audits and risk assessments in line with requirements set by Group Legal and Internal Audit.
  

Regulatory Guidance

• Advise on a broad spectrum of regulatory and legal issues, particularly in [industry-specific regulations].
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies and external Legal Counsel, as necessary.
  

Policy Development

• Create and update corporate policies, procedures, and guidelines in line with Group Legal to align with regulatory changes and best practices.
• Communicate and educate employees on these policies and procedures.
  

Risk Management

• Assess and manage legal risks associated with business operations and strategies.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and recommend appropriate insurance coverage in cooperation with Group Legal, Internal Audit and Group Finance.
  

Litigation Support

• Collaborate with external counsel and manage litigation matters, as needed.
• Advise on dispute resolution and risk mitigation strategies.
  

Minimum Qualification

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Law Degree from an accredited law school and/or admission to the bar
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in corporate law, international commercial contracts, and compliance, preferably in Semiconductor industry, machine industry, automotive industry or similar.
• Strong knowledge of contract, international commercial, intellectual property and corporate law as well as compliance regulations. Strong knowledge of local and state regulations as well as MY labour law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international legal team.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
  

Preferred Qualification

• In-depth knowledge of international commercial contracts in a B2B context and protection of corporate intellectual property.
• Experience in a Senior Legal role at a similarly regulated company or an international law firm.
• Proficiency in English, Chinese (or Japanese) as a second language desirable.
  

VAT is an equal opportunity emplo yer. We see ourselves as a responsible and far-sighted employer that offers not only jobs, but also career and personal development opportunities through various training programs. We recognize the value of employee diversity and provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified application that contributes to innovation, improves customer orientation and employee satisfaction. One-step in this direction is to ensure that people are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions to the company. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate as an acknowledgement for our commitment in ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.