Procurement Corporate Counsel

The purpose of Asahi Procurement is to safeguard the existing value and to unlock new sources of sustainable value for Asahi, our customers, and the planet. This is done through partnering with Asahi business stakeholders and a high-performing supplier network.

Procurement capabilities are mobilized to improve product and service quality, mitigate risks, drive total cost of ownership and infuse top-line growth for Asahi local businesses.

Asahi Procurement aspires to be the partner of choice for internal clients as well as for external suppliers; trusted for being an inspirational business advocate; connecting people and driving sustainable procurement value; while aiming to achieve operational and transactional excellence to ensure business continuity.

Excellence in procurement is achieved by establishing strong partnerships for strategic internal and external cooperation, as well as responding innovatively and agilely to business disruptions and challenges.

No matter if Procurement people are based in Japan, Australia, SEA, Europe or any other location, there is a one-direction approach used to maximize value delivery in a consistent way.

Cost and Net Working Capital efficiency is equally important as proactive risk management is. The aspiration for continuity, sustainability, and circular economy is reflected in everything we do. Moreover, Procurement employees are not only experts in their categories but also ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. Following the Asahi Group philosophy, Procurement thinks globally and acts locally.

Main purpose of the job

The Procurement Corporate Counsel for Global Procurement is responsible for providing expert legal advice on procurement matters, including contracts and negotiations. This includes drafting and reviewing supply agreements and leading negotiations to ensure legal soundness and compliance. The role involves coordinating legal work with regional colleagues, overseeing the development of procurement contract templates, and promoting best practices across the organization. Ultimately, they serve as an essential conduit between legal and procurement functions, ensuring a robust governance and risk management framework.

Accountabilities and deliverables 

• Provide expert legal advice on various procurement matters including contracts, negotiations, and supplier relations. Support the creation of procurement strategies by providing legal insights.
• Provide advice to the Global Procurement function on general contractual issues, including drafting and reviewing supply agreements to ensure they are legally sound, comply with internal policies, and maximize value for the organization.
• Lead negotiations on key supply agreements and provide negotiation support to the Global Procurement function.
• Coordinate legal work and collaborate with AGH/regional Legal colleagues as necessary.
• Manage development and maintenance of procurement contract templates and co-ordinate best practices
• Design and deliver training programs, including these related to contract and negotiation issues, to the Global Procurement function, and co-ordinate delivery of relevant trainings to regional Procurement teams (working with Regional Legal, Procurement and HR teams as necessary).
• Drive strong legal and business governance, acting as a point of escalation for issues, and design, implement, and drive compliance with robust internal approval processes for contracts and supply strategies
• Deliver dispute resolution (for Global Procurement contracts or supplier claims), implement robust and proportionate risk management processes within Procurement, and manage external lawyers as required (in support of Procurement function objectives).
• Maintain awareness of, and provide advice on, relevant legal or regulatory developments.
• Partner with stakeholders to embed legal risk management into enterprise-wide initiatives, including responsible sourcing, ESG, and digital transformation priorities.

• Appropriate University degree.
• Qualified lawyer.
• Approximately 5-9 years of post-qualification experience.
• Commercial contracts experience, with relevant experience in law firm and/or multi-national in house environment preferred.
• Experience in procurement and supply chain work is a strong preference.
• Singapore and English/Common law contract experience is required; knowledge of other Legal systems would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in English

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards and experience.

• Comprehensive health, life, and dental insurance.
• Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development.
• Dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that values diversity and innovation.
• Flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance.