Our client is one of the world's leading international logistics and freight forwarding companies, with a substantial and long-established presence in Japan.
They are seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Manager to take responsibility for a broad range of legal, compliance, licensing and corporate governance matters for their Japan organization. No legal qualification is needed, but experience in a similar role is an advantage.
This is a senior, hands-on position working closely with the President of Japan, local management and regional/global legal and compliance stakeholders. The role combines commercial legal work with practical compliance and regulatory responsibilities in a highly international operating environment.
Importantly, our client is looking for practical in-house capability rather than necessarily a formally qualified lawyer. Someone who understands how to interpret legal and regulatory requirements and apply them pragmatically within a commercial organization would be particularly well suited.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Contracts & Legal Advisory
- Review, draft and advise on customer, supplier and other commercial contracts.
- Provide practical advice to the President, management team and business functions.
- Identify contractual and commercial risks and recommend pragmatic solutions that support the business.
- Liaise with regional/global legal resources and external counsel where appropriate.
Compliance
- Support and oversee the implementation of the company's corporate compliance framework in Japan.
- Advise management and employees on internal policies, regulatory requirements and appropriate business practices.
- Support compliance reviews, investigations and internal audits where required.
- Help translate global corporate requirements into practical procedures appropriate for the Japanese business.
Licensing & Regulatory Matters
- Provide guidance regarding the licenses, permits and regulatory requirements applicable to logistics and freight forwarding activities in Japan.
- Support the maintenance and renewal of relevant licenses and authorizations.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders and, where necessary, external advisers and regulatory authorities.
- Monitor regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the company's operations.
Corporate Governance
- Support the President and management team on corporate governance matters.
- Assist with local corporate documentation, approvals and governance processes.
- Ensure that local activities remain aligned with both Japanese requirements and the company's global governance standards.
Quality & Regulatory Support
- Work with operational and quality teams on legal and regulatory matters affecting the business.
- Provide support in relation to quality, risk and regulatory requirements.
- Help ensure that compliance requirements are understood without creating unnecessary barriers to commercial and operational activity.
Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in candidates who combine strong technical knowledge with a commercial and pragmatic mindset.
Ideally, you will have:
- Previous in-house legal and/or compliance experience within a multinational organization.
- Experience reviewing and advising on commercial contracts.
- Good knowledge of Japanese corporate and regulatory practices.
- Experience with compliance, corporate governance and regulatory matters.
- Exposure to licensing or regulated business activities would be highly desirable.
- Experience within logistics, freight forwarding, transportation, supply chain or another internationally regulated industry would be advantageous.
- The confidence to advise senior management and challenge appropriately when required.
- The ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with regional and global stakeholders.
- A practical approach — able to understand the legal position while also considering how the business can operate effectively within it.
Language & Qualifications
- Native-level Japanese strongly preferred.
- Strong business English is required due to regular interaction with international stakeholders.
- A university degree or relevant professional background is expected.
- Formal qualification as a lawyer is not essential. Practical, relevant in-house legal and compliance experience is more important.
What Makes This Role Interesting
This is not a narrowly defined position. The successful candidate will have broad visibility across the Japan organization and work directly with senior leadership on issues ranging from contracts and compliance to licensing, governance and operational risk.
It therefore offers an opportunity for an experienced legal or compliance professional to become a trusted adviser to the President and wider Japan management team, while remaining connected to the resources and standards of a major global organization.
For someone who enjoys being close to the business rather than operating purely as a technical legal specialist, this is an attractive senior opportunity within Japan's international logistics sector.
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