About us:
Esco Lifesciences Group is a world-leading manufacturer of laboratory, pharmaceutical equipment, bioprocess tools and IVF medical devices, delivering sustainable workflow solutions to advance global health. Since 1978, the Singapore-based company is committed to excellence, ensuring forward-thinking technology, responsive support, and reliability, making Esco a trusted partner for the life science and medical markets in more than 150 countries.
Job Overview:
As a Group Lead Counsel in Esco Lifesciences Group, you will lead the Group Legal function across a wide range of matters. You will work closely with the Group Chief Finance Officer, and other senior leaders to supervise the company’s legal compliance, manage risks, and enable sustainable business growth. This is a unique role where you will gain broad exposure to cross-border legal, strategic and compliance issues.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Support & Advisory
- Support corporate development activities such as M&A, equity and debt financing, minority investments, including but not limited to, due diligence, negotiating transaction documents, and coordinating with external counsel.
- Provide timely and practical legal input and advice to business units, including Finance, R&D, Supply Chain, Sales, IT and HR.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments and assist in advising internal stakeholders.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements, including NDAs, distribution agreements, supply and manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, and service agreements.
Corporate Governance
- Manage the corporate governance for global entities, including registration, liquidation, and changes of directors and officers.
- Coordinate with corporate secretaries in different jurisdictions to update filings.
- Draft and prepare board and shareholder meeting documents on needed basis, including key meeting minutes.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Support dispute resolution, litigation, and arbitration matter in collaboration with external counsel.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of compliance policies and procedures.
- Support compliance audits, training, and risk assessments.
Other Matters
- Support intellectual property and brand protection work on an as-needed basis, and coordinate with external advisors.
- Liaise with external legal counsel, auditors, and consultants to ensure smooth and efficient legal operations.
- Lead and develop junior regional legal counsels, with responsibility for properly delegating legal matters, monitoring progress, and ensuring quality and timeliness.
- Contribute to building awareness of legal and compliance best practices across the organization.
Qualifications and Skills
- Law degree (LLB or JD) from a reputable law school, with an educational background in a common law jurisdiction (e.g., US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia). Candidates with a China law school background must also hold an additional overseas qualification (e.g., LLM, JD, and/or bar admission in a common law jurisdiction).
- 5-10 years of post-admission experience in a reputable law firm and/or as in-house counsel.
- Solid foundation in corporate and commercial law, with exposure to compliance and dispute resolution.
- Experience supporting manufacturing, supply, or distribution businesses is an advantage.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Proficient in English (both written and spoken).
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Willingness to travel as required.
