Compliance Lead

Legal & Compliance Specialist (Japan)
Legal & Compliance Specialist (Japan)
Location: Tokyo (Hybrid / Telework Available) Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
A global organization is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Specialist to join its Japan legal team. This role supports business operations across Japan by providing legal advisory, contract support, and leading the local implementation of compliance programs aligned with both Japanese regulations and global policies.
You will report directly to the Senior Counsel in Japan and work closely with global legal, compliance, HR, IT, and business teams across regions.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Contract Support
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts including:
    • Retail store lease agreements
    • Department store agreements
    • Vendor and service contracts
    • R&D-related contracts
    • Ambassador / influencer agreements
    • Real estate and employment-related contracts
  • Providing legal advice on regulatory developments affecting the business (e.g., advertising regulations, product safety, non-financial reporting).
  • Advising stakeholders on legal risks, dispute prevention, and business risk assessments.
  • Improving contract management workflows to balance agility with governance.
Compliance
  • Leading the local deployment of global compliance programs, including training initiatives.
  • Implementing and maintaining compliance policies and procedures for the Japan market.
  • Identifying regulatory risks and addressing them proactively.
  • Promoting a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
  • Conducting risk assessments and monitoring compliance KPIs.
  • Acting as a point of contact for regulatory investigations and coordinating internal responses.
  • Supporting the Compliance Committee and participating in global compliance forums.
  • Driving compliance initiatives in areas such as competition law, subcontractor law, labor law, fair trade, anti-bribery, and anti-money laundering.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Law (bar qualification preferred).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a top-tier law firm and/or in-house legal department.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory matters.
  • Experience in luxury retail or consumer-related industries is a plus.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Project management and change management capability.
  • Strong intercultural communication skills.
  • Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English (both required).
What’s Offered
  • Competitive annual compensation (reviewed annually)
  • Seasonal and performance-based bonuses
  • Flexible working hours and telework options
  • Comprehensive benefits package including insurance, transportation, learning support, and employee perks
  • Opportunity to work in a global, highly collaborative environment

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Location
Inner Tokyo
Specialism
Legal
Ref:
1128859

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Jiyoon Shin, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Tokyo Head Office
Izumi Garden Tower 38th Floor, 1-6-1 Roppongi

Telephone: +81 3 3560 1549

Similar jobs to Compliance Lead

  • Digital Marketing Manager

    Join a leading global asset management firm and play a key role in shaping high‑impact marketing initiatives.
    Inner Tokyo

  • Legal

    Legal – Global Consumer Goods Company (Tokyo)
    Inner Tokyo

  • General Administrative Manager

    Global Healthcare Company, WFH x 2, Up to 9M + Incentives
    Inner TokyoUp to 9M

  • Legal Counsel

    Bilingual Legal Professional Wanted for High-Impact Role in Global Manufacturing
    Inner Tokyo

  • Finance Manager at Global Tax Refund Company

    Global Tax Refund Company
    Inner Tokyo