About the Position

Associate Counsel, Operations

Location: Selangor, Malaysia

Employment Type: Permanent

Career Level: Experienced Professional

Functions: Legal

Salary Range: Competitive salary

Why Legal Affairs?

Our industry is changing rapidly – and we always aim to keep pace with change to enable sustainable growth for A Better Tomorrow™. Our global Legal team are a diverse group of specialists dedicated to empowering our people to act responsibly and manage risks in a complex world. Here they take responsibility for protecting our brands, our people and operations, our products commercial interests, and corporate reputation.

Why BAT?

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers - It's one of the many reasons we have been named as a Global Top Employer for the eighth consecutive year.

We believe that Leadership shouldn’t be confined to titles. It’s a mindset and through our leading Learning and Development programmes, you’ll continuously develop your skills and experience. With our unwavering support, you’ll work in cross functional teams connecting with industry leaders and expanding your professional network.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

A Better Tomorrow

Building a Smokeless World is no small feat-it’s fueled by the collective efforts of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspective. This is the most innovative chapter in BAT’s history, and you can help shape it.

Strategy and Purpose

Brand and Innovation

About the Role

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco DBS****has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Counsel in Selangor, Malaysia

This role is designed to provide strategic legal advice to Operations (especially Procurement and Finance), supporting commercial activities such as service, supply, manufacturing, and development agreements. Focuses on delivering proactive, business-focused legal guidance across procurement and related commercial arrangements.

Reports to: Legal Counsel, Operations

Geographic Scope: Global

Responsibilities

Acting as commercial counsel for the Operations Function. This includes third-party procurement, supplier relationships, and offering strategic feedback to support business initiatives.
Structuring, negotiating, drafting, and advising on execution of procurement and other commercial transactions including development agreements, services agreements, manufacturing and supply agreements.
Identifying and mitigating legal risk in proposed and operational commercial arrangements (including risks relating to intellectual property, data protection, tax, competition and compliance risks), advising on the escalation and resolution of contractual disputes, and advising on contract termination.
Providing guidance on application of BAT Group policies, procedures and governance to proposed and operational third party and intra-group arrangements.
Advising on the presentation of proposed transactional matters for consideration and approval by the appropriate leadership team, board or committee.
Providing strategic advice and commercial counselling directly to the Operations Function, Procurement and senior managers of other parts of the business to support the operation of key contractual arrangements in place with third parties.
Ensuring good information flows between business contacts, Legal, and other business partners about business initiatives to optimise commercial opportunities and manage risks.
Working collaboratively with Legal Counsels within Ops, Commercial & BAT Exports providing support as and when required. Act as a role model for company values.

Requirements

Qualified lawyer (Malaysia/UK or equivalent) with ~5+ years’ experience in top law firms and in-house roles within multinational environments.
Strong expertise in commercial law, handling complex cross-border transactions and high-value contracts.
Proficient in Microsoft O365 tools with excellent written and spoken English.
Effective at managing high workloads, prioritising tasks, and meeting tight deadlines.
Skilled in legal drafting, identifying compliance risks, and addressing cross-border issues.
Strong negotiation, project management, and contract lifecycle management capabilities.
Commercially astute with sound judgement to balance business outcomes and legal risk.
Collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable with strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to communicate legal matters clearly.

We Offer

We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

About the Company

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers.

We believe that everyone has a place in our organisation. Whether you are seeking mentorship, diversifying your experience through international assignments or embracing innovative work methods, we’re here to propel your career aspirations and unleash your full potential.

We believe in you.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

Values

At BAT, our values show us the way to bring our purpose to life. Serving as our compass, they navigate every aspect of our path towards A Better Tomorrow™ defining how we innovate, grow, and achieve success while setting high standards for individual achievement and collective progress. Rooted in integrity and collaboration, they empower us as pioneers of change in a world that never stands still ensuring we shape BAT's legacy with confidence and purpose.

Truly inclusive
Do the right thing
Love for our consumer
Passion to win
Empowered through trust
Stronger together

Take Control of Your Future with BAT

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers.

We believe in you.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

Benefits

At our core, we understand your best work happens when you feel fully supported. Our meticulously

designed reward and benefits package are shaped to acknowledge your contributions and to magnify

your impact. As you grow, so do we.

Social Wellbeing

Wellbeing is better when it’s shared. Benefits that foster a sense of community and connection among employees. The more time we make to give back and share what it means to live well with the communities around us, the closer we’ll be to them. We encourage positive social interactions inside and outside BAT, enhance collaboration, and create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and connected.

Emotional Wellbeing

Balancing work and life to help you recharge and stay resilient. Benefits and initiatives that are designed to bolster our employees' mental health. At BAT we're fostering a culture of to help our employees to better manage life’s pressures and build resilience, no matter what life throws your way.

Physical Wellbeing

Good health is the cornerstone that allows everything else in our lives to align. Benefits that support our employees' physical health, expand coverage where needed it and promote healthy lifestyles, reducing stress and boosting overall energy and productivity.

Financial Wellbeing

Peace of mind is priceless, but it shouldn’t cost the earth. Benefits and initiatives designed to assist you in achieving financial stability and security, empowering you to make well informed financial decisions, alleviate financial stress, and enhance your short and long-term prospects.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and join our team in shaping a better tomorrow.

Associate Counsel, Operations

Tech Stack

Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements