Head of Group Legal

Overview

Head of Group Legal Jobs in WP. Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at EDRA Power Holdings Sdn Bhd

Title: Head of Group Legal

Company: EDRA Power Holdings Sdn Bhd

Location: WP. Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Role

Lead and oversee the Group's Legal, Internal Audit, Corporate Governance and Company Secretarial functions by providing strategic legal counsel, independent assurance, governance oversight and corporate secretarial leadership to safeguard the Group's interests, ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen internal controls, and support sustainable business growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

A. Legal Management

1. Lead and manage all legal matters across the Group.
2. Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Management and business units.
3. Identify, assess and mitigate legal risks affecting the Group's operations and investments.
4. Oversee legal due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, investments, divestments and other corporate exercises.
5. Review, negotiate and advise on commercial agreements, contracts and legal documentation.
6. Manage external legal counsels, litigation and dispute resolution while ensuring cost effectiveness and quality of legal services.
7. Monitor changes in laws and regulations and ensure timely implementation across the Group.

B. Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial

1. Lead the Group's corporate governance framework and ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
2. Serve as principal advisor to the Board and Management on governance, directors' duties, conflicts of interest, related party transactions and corporate governance best practices.
3. Oversee the planning, coordination and administration of Board, Board Committee, Shareholder and Management meetings.
4. Ensure timely preparation, review and circulation of Board papers, minutes and resolutions.
5. Ensure all companies within the Group comply with the Companies Act, constitutions and other applicable laws.
6. Oversee corporate secretarial matters for local and overseas subsidiaries through appointed corporate secretaries.
7. Manage shareholder engagement, Board visitation arrangements and communications with shareholders including CGNEI and CSGI.
8. Ensure proper maintenance of statutory records and regulatory filings.
9. Lead governance improvement initiatives and monitor implementation of governance policies and frameworks.

C. Internal Audit & Assurance

1. Develop and implement the annual risk-based Internal Audit Plan for approval by the Audit Committee.
2. Direct financial, operational, compliance and information systems audits across the Group.
3. Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control systems.
4. Present significant audit findings, control deficiencies, fraud risks and governance issues to the Audit Committee and Board.
5. Monitor implementation of agreed corrective actions and audit recommendations.
6. Lead investigations, whistleblowing assessments and fraud reviews where required.
7. Establish and maintain Quality Assurance and Improvement Programmes in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
8. Provide independent advisory and consulting services to Management while maintaining audit independence.
9. Oversee Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) audit programmes, including audit planning, execution, reporting and corrective action verification.
10. Ensure Internal Audit activities comply with professional auditing standards and regulatory requirements.

D. Enterprise Governance & Business Process

1. Develop and continuously improve governance frameworks, internal policies and business processes.
2. Ensure Delegation of Authority (DOA) frameworks remain effective and aligned with organisational structure.
3. Review and enhance corporate policies and procedures covering Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, ICT and Business Continuity.
4. Promote effective internal controls and process improvements throughout the organisation.
5. Support strategic initiatives, business transformation and organisational restructuring from legal and governance perspectives.

Qualification and Competency

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB)
• Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)

Professional Qualifications (Added Advantage)

• Advocate & Solicitor / Called to the Malaysian Bar
• MAICSA / Licensed Company Secretary
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Integrity or ISO 37001 Lead Auditor
• MBA or Master's Degree

Work Experience

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 20 years of relevant experience in Legal, Corporate Governance, Company Secretarial and/or Internal Audit.
• Minimum 10 years in a senior leadership position.

Experience Required

• Corporate legal advisory.
• Corporate governance and board affairs.
• Company secretarial practice.
• Enterprise risk management and internal controls.
• Internal audit and assurance.
• Fraud investigations and whistleblowing.
• Mergers & acquisitions and corporate exercises.
• Contract negotiation and dispute resolution.
• Experience in the power, utilities, infrastructure or energy sector is preferred.
• Experience engaging with Board of Directors, shareholders and regulators.

Skills and Behaviour Traits

• Strategic leadership and decision making.
• Strong corporate governance knowledge.
• Excellent legal drafting and negotiation skills.
• Thorough understanding of Internal Audit Standards (IPPF).
• Knowledge of Companies Act, Bursa Listing Requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity and professional judgement.
• Leadership, coaching and talent development.
• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Ability to influence senior management and Board members.
• Excellent planning, organisation and project management skills.