Assistant Legal Counsel

About Us

SD Guthrie Berhad (SD Guthrie) is one of the world’s leading producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), representing approximately 12% of the global market share (as of 31 December 2022). With over 84,000 employees across 12 countries, we pride ourselves on innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Our operations span the entire palm oil value chain, and we are expanding into new business verticals such as green industrial parks and renewable energy. We offer enriching career opportunities supported by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability. We are the world’s first palm oil company to have our net-zero GHG emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Join us today, as we continue to Unlock Nature's Superpowers.

Your Mission

• Advise, review, negotiate and draft wide range of commercial and transactional agreements with a focus on IP-related agreements such as licensing, collaboration, assignment, joint development, and confidentiality agreements.
• Manage the Group’s IP portfolio, including prosecution, renewal, defense, and enforcement, while collaborating closely with external solicitors to ensure the effective protection and management of the Group’s IP portfolio including overseeing budgetary and billings related to Group’s IP Portfolio.
• Provide IP-related advice as and when required, and where necessary to work together with external solicitors to obtain and/or provide such advice.
• Develop and maintain an accessible and user-friendly internal IP database or knowledge library to track the lifecycle of Group’s IP assets through standard templates, FAQs, and reference materials to enhance the Group's understanding and effective management of IP assets.
• Provide legal support to various business divisions within the Group particularly in areas related to IP strategy, protection, and exploitation and assist to navigate legal challenges related to the commercialization of the Group’s assets and business with an emphasis on IP considerations.
• Conduct research and provide legal and regulatory updates on emerging trends in intellectual property law, industry regulations, and changes in local and international legislation which may affect the Group.
• Drive a culture of IP awareness by hosting talks, seminars, workshops and publishing strategic contents on intellectual property topics, and across the Group (operational, sales, marketing, and R&D)
• Assist in developing, improving and reviewing standard templates, internal standard operating procedures, best practices, particularly related to IP management and IP related contracts and ensure consistency and compliance across the Group’s contracts and IP-related documentations.
• Build and maintain a good business relationship with all internal stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional business teams such as R&D, marketing, and sales, ensuring the Group’s IP rights are properly managed and protected.
• Liaise with external solicitors and serve as a key liaison between the Group and external counsels, ensuring efficient and effective legal services for IP-related portfolio and monitor external lawyers to ensure they meet the Group's needs and standards.
• Undertake special assignment or ad hoc project as and when required by the superior with a focus on IP-related matters or broader legal issues impacting the Group.

Ideal Candidate

• Degree in Law (LLB), Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP)
• A combined experience as an in-house counsel in an established entity and in a legal firm of at least 7 years.
• Experience in handling IP matters and IP related agreements is a pre-requisite.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Benefits Coverage
• Hybrid Workplace
• Learning on Demand
• Employee Wellness Programme
• Employee Engagement Activities
• Fully Subsidised Sports Clubs
• Education Assistance (terms & conditions apply)
• Free Parking
• Free Shuttle Service from nearest LRT
• and many more...

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Discover more opportunities with us here!