Senior Corporate Counsel, Japan & Micronesia
IHGIntroduction
We are looking for a Senior Corporate Counsel to work closely with the Managing Director and his leadership team based in Tokyo to support decisions across Japan & Micronesia. As a trusted legal partner, you will provide clear, commercially-minded advice that enables IHG’s Japan & Micronesia business to move forward with confidence - anticipating risk, structuring practical solutions, and navigating the local regulatory environment in a measured and effective way and ensuring global alignment across wide practice areas. If you’re ready to be a key voice at the table, this role offers impact and autonomy in a high-growth region.
Based in Japan, this position presents a compelling opportunity for Japan‑qualified/ highly experienced Japanese lawyers currently outside the country to bring their international experience into a senior in‑market role. We welcome applications from overseas‑based candidates who are interested in relocating to Japan as their next career step.
Your Day to Day
Act as a trusted legal advisor and a generalist to IHG’s business across areas such as IP, regulatory, privacy, real estate, construction and legal operations.
Advise on matters across the hotel lifecycle, starting from drafting, negotiating letters of intent, MOUs, hotel management and franchise agreements, variation, supplier, vendor, sales, marketing, sponsorship and other commercial agreements.
Identify and manage legal and regulatory risk, ensuring compliance with local laws and internal policies.
Partner closely with regional and global legal colleagues to deliver consistent, high‑quality legal support.
Manage and direct external legal counsel to ensure effective and timely outcomes for matters outsourced to external law firms and related service providers.
Fully utilize IHG systems including legal matter management and related systems and be responsible for building legal knowledge in our Tokyo office.
What We Need From You
At least 8+ years’ PQE across law firms and in‑house roles in Japan.
Strong background in drafting, negotiation and excellent communication skills in English and Japanese (both verbal and written) and ability to partner both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
Pro-active mindset, with experience working on a global legal team with strong organization, time and project management skills and ability to manage changing priorities.
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