Location: Primarily Yokohama Office (Tokyo office negotiable)

Work Style: Flexible working hours, supportive environment for work-life balance, parental leave available for all genders.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced legal professional to join a dynamic team within the Legal Function. This team focusses on contract-related legal support for business deals with clients in Japan, providing expertise from the early stages of deal Shaping through negotiation and compliance.

As part of a global legal organisation, you will work closely with business teams and other corporate functions to analyze legal risks, propose solutions, and enable complex, high-value projects involving cutting-edge technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts (primarily in Japanese, some in English).
Supporting compliance related to privacy laws, intellectual property, labor law, competition law, foreign exchange regulations, and industry-specific regulations.

Why Join Us ?

• Direct involvement in strategic business deals and close collaboration with senior leadership.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models.
• Opportunities for global collaboration and professional development through training programs.
• A flexible, inclusive work environment that values work-life balance.

Requirements

Common Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Native-level Japanese proficiency.
• English proficiency (TOEIC 700+ for Specialist; 750+ for Manager/Senior Manager).

Experience by Level:

• Specialist: 3–4 years in contract review, drafting, and negotiation.
• Associate Manager: 5–8 years in similar roles.
• Manager: 7–10 years, with ability to conduct business in English.
• Senior Manager: Approx. 15 years, with strong English communication skills.

• Deal Shaping Participate from the earliest stages of business discussions to structure proposals that effectively address client challenges.
• Complex Projects Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for advanced technology initiatives, including Cloud, AI, IoT, Security, and Digital Media. Handle global IT system development, joint ventures, M&A, success-based models, and large-scale, long-term engagements.
• Risk Analysis Assess and mitigate legal risks, propose practical solutions, and provide support for dispute resolution when necessary.
• Knowledge Management Develop and maintain guidelines, templates, checklists, and training materials to enhance organizational efficiency.
• Education & Training Design and deliver awareness programs for business teams on contract-related topics.
• Global Collaboration Work closely with global legal teams on cross-border matters and strategic initiatives.
• Team Development Mentor and support junior team members, fostering growth and knowledge sharing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in IT-related or consulting businesses.
• Familiarity with projects involving AI, Cloud, IoT, RPA, SaaS, outsourcing, M&A, JV, PMI, data privacy, and IP law.
• Experience in global business environments or foreign-affiliated companies.
• Leadership and mentoring experience.
• Strong initiative, flexibility, and collaborative mindset.
• Legal qualifications (domestic or international) are a plus.

Presented by:

Jiyoon Shin – Hays Japan

Tel: +81 3-3560-1549

Email: jiyoon.shin@hays.co.jp