Corporate Legal 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 Nigeria has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel in Lagos.

REPORTS TO: Head of Legal

LEVEL: Middle Management

As a Corporate Legal Counsel in a dynamic and fast-paced team of other experienced team members across BAT’s Sub-Saharan Africa Area (SSA), you will provide proactive legal advisory and counselling to internal team members and commercial trade and corporate business units with a focus on Nigeria. You will act as Company Secretary to the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (Limited by Guaranty). You will also work closely with the Corporate Services Functions to achieve and maintain strong solid understanding of business and regulatory developments and issues arising in the context of the regulatory developments as well as employment related issues.

The Legal team is key to the development of the Business and proactively guiding the Business to make decisions within the relevant legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Business, its products, people and collaborators as applicable. This role is therefore required further to the objectives above in close collaboration with the rest of the Legal Team to deliver on the Business objectives within the geographic scope.

Your key responsibilities will include

•  Provide legal and commercially driven counselling and support to internal team members to drive decisions and strategic direction as the Business evolves.
• Provide legal support and optimal Company Secretarial services to the Board and Management of British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (Limited by Guaranty)
• Draft, review contractual documentation, renewal, negotiation and develop where applicable standard formats, for the benefit of the Business unit to ensure that the Company’s interests are adequately protected.
• Legal counsel to the commercial trade business unit across Nigeria
• Participate actively in problem-solving, decision-making in assigned areas of Business while consistently working to minimise and manage commercial and legal risks.
• Advise and support on corporate and commercial projects, finance regulatory audits, bank guarantees, Indemnities, corporate structuring, finance, treasury, tax & excise.
• Provide informed legal advisory on various employment-related matters (not limited to employee dispute resolution, employer’s obligations, disciplinary proceedings) based on applicable laws, regulations and global guidelines.
• Support the Litigation Counsel in effective management of the Litigation portfolio.
• Review correspondence prepared by internal collaborators in response to requests from Regulators and government agencies (where necessary)
• Actively propose and support legal projects and initiatives as legal department’s value to the rest of the Business
• Demonstrate excellence in own work by improving technical and managerial skills identified and agreed in performance and development reviews
• Supporting connection with the wider legal team and related core-functions across SSA to contribute to the success of the Business.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified Lawyer (minimum 10 years post-call qualification) with experience in commercial and regulatory law
• In-depth understanding of updated legal and regulatory issues as they relate to tobacco industry practice, opportunities, threats and compliance requirements
• Work across a wide range of issues demonstrating prioritisation, thoughtful advice, and sound commercial judgement.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) to guide collaborators and business units’ decisions.
• Ability to explain and interpret legal issues being mindful of the audience.
• High degree of ability to build relationships, influence and work collaboratively across the Business units encouraging trust and confidence while working with a diverse, multi-skilled partners across the different business units.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office tools.
• Previous experience in a commercial service law firm and/or multinational consumer goods or distribution retail business.
• Confidentiality and objectivity in offering legal guidance and advisory.  

Beneficial:

• Experience as legal counsel involved in Change management within organisation and/or change of organisation’s operating model and/or new product/service introduction to the market.
• Managing and supporting budget creation and budget spend.
• Litigation experience
• Regulatory and/or government agency engagements.
• AI-enabled legal tools and platforms

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.

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