VP - Legal

Who We Are

Suntory is a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, renowned for producing and distributing a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages, premium spirits, beer, wine, and wellness products throughout the world. With a history dating back to 1899, we are driven by a profound purpose: to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature.

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage (SPVB) is a strategic alliance between PepsiCo Inc. and Suntory Holdings Ltd. since 2013.

At Suntory PepsiCo VietNam Beverage, we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. We strive to provide equal opportunities for employment, development, and advancement regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and age. We are continuously working to cultivate an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias, and we welcome all individuals to apply for roles at Suntory PepsiCo.

About your role

This role collaborates closely with the local leaders and teams from Suntory and PepsiCo, spanning alcoholic and non - alcoholic beverage  sectors to enable the acheivement of strategic business objectives and safeguard SPVB's success – legally, ethically, and reputationally. This role is a key member of the SBF APAC Legal Leadership Team. 

Core duties include monitoring the legal and regulatory environment , anticipating trends and implications, formulating SPVB strategies for legal compliance, fostering sustainable governance, and nurturing a robust control environment. Additionally, as the Company Secretary , support and advise the Member's Council , liaise with various stakeholders to secure SPVB Board approval, this position plays a vital role in supporting various strategic projects and initiatives, including One Suntory GRCL and Regional projects...

The role also represents SPVB at external forums, such as the Chambers of Commerce, to discuss policies that affect SPVB. This role is also registered as SPVB Data Protection Officer with Vietnam Ministry of Public Security.

What You'll Do

1.    Business Partner and Guardian to support delivery of SPVB MWBs by anticipating and navigating  Legal Complexities, design and delivery of SPVB Strategies for Legal Compliance:
i.    Provide Legal Risk Management Strategies: Develop and maintain a legal risk assessment framework to identify potential issues, evaluate and manage legal risks, and propose strategies to mitigate them.
ii.    Lead Legal Compliance Health Checks: Review SPVB's policies, procedures, and systems to ensure they align with Vietnam's key regulatory requirements. Develop an action plan to enhance compliance. 
iii.    Manage the complete license and permit agenda for the company, including the registration and renewal of the business, new branches, offices, and plants, as well as the registration or notification of sale promotions with the Government.
iv.    Supervise Contract, Agreement, and Document Management Processes: Manage policies and procedures related to the entire contract and document lifecycle, from drafting contracts to archiving them.

2.    Be company secretary, foster sustainable governance 
i.    Ensure compliance with the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA), Exclusive Business Agreements (EBAs), Enterprise Law, and the Company Charter, in collaboration with Suntory and PepsiCo regional teams.  
ii.    Develop and maintain a corporate governance framework and guidelines; provide necessary induction and training for the Board, leadership team, and conduct e-learning sessions for relevant employees.  
iii.    Oversee the delegation and proxy process.  
iv.    Serve as a centralized contact point for obtaining all approvals from the BOD and facilitate communication between the BOD and business functions.  
v.    Act as the record keeper for the BOD, including documenting meeting minutes and notes.  
vi. Make periodic and annual reports as required by Suntory and PepsiCo.

3.    Be SPVB Compliance Officer and lead member of Control Environment Committee, nurture a robust control environment
i.    Lead the promotion of Integrity by integrating Compliance and Ethics into daily routines.
ii.    Take the role of local Compliance Officer. Collaborate with the Audit and Whistleblower Committees of Suntory and PepsiCo’s Compliance team and manage escalations of significant violations to the Audit Committee.
iii.    Oversee the Compliance and Ethics team, setting the agenda for the Control Environment Committee and driving for its proper execution. Directly supervise Speak-up reports, investigations, and corrective actions.
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4.    Advocacy & External Relations
i.    Establish professional connections with local and central government officials in Vietnam to stay informed about legal changes that may impact the company
ii.    Partner with Corporate Affairs to develop and propose advocacy strategies. 
iii.    Represent SPVB in external forums, including chambers of commerce, to advocate for shaping policies and regulations that affect SPVB, such as data protection and excise tax.

5. Modernize Legal & Compliance Operations and Develop Capabilities 
i.    Explore legal technology to enhance operations and manage documentation.
ii.    Optimize legal compliance costs by managing external consultants, standardizing and simplifying processes, and enhancing internal team capabilities.

What's in it for you

What You need to be successful

- Law degree

- Neutral fact-finder, high EQ, issue-spotting ability, sound judgment, and perseverance in investigating.
- Is an ethics and compliance champion and has a spotless record. Personal values are consistent with SPVB Values to ensure that the SPVB’s Code of Conduct is upheld in every decision taken.
- Solid knowledge of Vietnam law/regulations and be able to contribute strategically to business growth. Experience in contract, employment, intellectual property, and commercial law is required.
- Familiarity with the law-making and decision-making processes of Vietnam's government

- Independence, strong communication, and interview skill, including the ability to ask the “tough” questions.
- Effective relationship builder with a track record of collaborating with industry associations and groups
- Analytical, influential, result-oriented, with proven negotiation and complex problem-solving skills preferred
- Highly attentive to details while also able to see the bigger picture
- Presentable outlook and excellent English and Vietnamese communication skills

- Lawyer practicing certificate + Personal Data Protection Officer Certificate

- Experienced legal professional with a minimum of 8 years of relevant leadership experience
- Travelling approximately 10%-15% of the time

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.