Head of Legal

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey!

SENIORITY LEVEL: Senior Management Level

FUNCTION: Finance

LOCATION: Islamabad, Pakistan

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES.

The Head of Legal for our in-house legal team plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance, oversight, and leadership in all legal matters pertaining to our organization. This position requires a dynamic individual with exceptional legal acumen, management and communication skills, and leadership capabilities, with a deep understanding of commercial business objectives. The Head of Legal will be responsible for managing a team of legal professionals and ensuring the organization's compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

                Reports to: Head of Legal & CORA

                Geographic Scope: Islamabad, Pakistan

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Develop and implement the organization's legal strategy in alignment with overall business objectives.
• Provide proactive legal advice and guidance to senior management and relevant stakeholders on a wide range of legal issues including contracts, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, employment law, litigation, and corporate governance.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of legal professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Assign tasks, set objectives, and conduct performance evaluations to ensure the team meets its goals effectively.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to enhance the team's skills and capabilities.
• Oversee compliance efforts across the organization to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the organization's interests.
• Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations that may impact the organization and advise accordingly.
• Lead the commercial team to ensure efficient and complete provision of contracts and agreements and related support to business.
• Review and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements, including but not limited to vendor agreements, partnership agreements, and licensing agreements, for medium to large scale projects.
• Ensure and implement processes to streamline contract management and ensure consistency and compliance.
• Work closely with Litigation team to manage legal disputes and litigation matters, working closely with external counsel when necessary.
• Develop strategies for resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements and oversee corporate filings and documentation.
• Provide support and guidance to the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• LL.B. degree from an accredited law school, Bar-at-Law/LL.M. preferred
• 12-14 years of experience practicing law.
• Prior experience in a leadership or management role within an in-house legal department preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership abilities with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!