Associate Counsel

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 a 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

Your key responsibilities will include:

• 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.

What are we looking for?

• 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.

What we offer you?

• 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

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.