Job Title: Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel
Location: Hong Kong
The Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team in Hong Kong. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive legal support to our diverse business units and entities, ensuring legal security and compliance in a fast-paced and innovative environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, exceptional legal expertise, and a proven track record in data privacy matters within the Hong Kong jurisdiction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Legal Advisory & Business Partnership:
- Provide proactive and pragmatic legal counsel and strategic guidance to various business units and functional departments on a wide range of commercial, corporate, and general business law matters relevant to L'Oréal's operations in Hong Kong.
- Act as a trusted business partner, anticipating legal risks and providing solutions that support business objectives while maintaining compliance.
- Data Privacy & Compliance Expertise:
- Lead and advise on all aspects of data privacy compliance, with a deep understanding of Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) and other relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR implications for cross-border data flows).
- Develop, implement, and maintain internal data privacy policies, guidelines, and training programs.
- Manage data privacy impact assessments, handle data access requests, and oversee data breach response protocols.
- Advise on data processing agreements, privacy notices, and consent mechanisms for new products, services, and digital initiatives.
- Commercial Contracts & Negotiations:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a comprehensive range of legal documents, both internal and external to the Group. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial agreements (e.g., distribution, retail, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain), property leases, IT/technology contracts, and intellectual property-related agreements.
- Oversee and manage contractual relations, ensuring adherence to Group policies and legal best practices.
- Legal Security, Governance & Risk Management:
- Optimize legal security and compliance frameworks, including monitoring and advising on compulsory local standards and regulatory requirements.
- Manage preliminary legal authorizations, facilitate legal reporting for dossiers and operations, and ensure adherence to Group's legal charter and internal policies.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to keep abreast of legislative changes and regulatory developments impacting the business in Hong Kong.
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
- Manage and oversee litigious matters (pre-litigations, litigations, trials, and/or transactions) in coordination with relevant internal departments and external counsels.
- Formulate dispute resolution strategies and ensure effective representation of the Group's interests.
- Internal Awareness & Training:
- Increase awareness amongst operational and functional departments regarding Group best practices, legal guidelines, and relevant legal developments through regular training and communication.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum 7 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) gained in a reputable international/local law firm or a well-established in-house legal department in Hong Kong.
- Holder of a valid Hong Kong Practising Certificate.
- Demonstrable expertise in commercial law, with a strong understanding of Hong Kong's legal and regulatory landscape.
- Proven track record and experience in data privacy and data protection law, specifically the PDPO.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English and Cantonese is essential.
- Proficiency in Mandarin is highly advantageous.
- Strong commercial acumen and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced international environment.
- High level of integrity, professional ethics, and attention to detail.
- Prior experience in the consumer goods, beauty, or retail sector is a plus.