Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

The Director Legal Counsel for the Philippines will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters within the Philippines location for Empower, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, and providing strategic legal guidance to support the company's business objectives. This role requires a strong leader with excellent legal expertise and a strategic mindset. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide legal advice and support to the company's senior management and board of directors. 
• Develop and implement legal strategies to mitigate risks and support business goals. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies (enterprise, finance, health and safety and labor policies). 
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents. 
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution matters as applicable.  
• Developing and implementing legal procedures and policies to ensure the company’s compliance with applicable laws. 
• Conducting legal research to ensure the company is up to date with the latest legal changes, legal developments and industry trends that may impact the company. 
• Collaborate with other departments to provide legal solutions and support for business initiatives. 
• Manage relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in law (Juris Doctor or equivalent) from a recognized institution. 
• Licensed to practice law in the Philippines. 
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in a senior legal role, preferably in Financial| Insurance or Shared Services company 
• Strong knowledge of Philippine legal and regulatory frameworks. 
• Proven experience in managing a legal team and managing complex legal matters. 
• Excellent communication and people skills; comfortable dealing with all levels of our organization, including executive leadership.  
• Ability to provide practical legal solutions and business-oriented advice. 
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking capabilities. 
• Experience with multinational companies or within a global legal framework strongly preferred. 
• Fluency in both English and Filipino. 
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues preferred.
• Experience serving in the role of Corporate Secretary of a Filipino corporation and managing all corporate governance functions of the company, including board of directors’ meetings and maintenance of corporate minutes books preferred. 
• Experience or basic familiarity with Filipino tax laws and regulations applicable to a foreign-owned BPO, including VAT, import/export regulations, BOI compliance preferred.  
• Experience or familiarity with Filipino employment laws and regulations highly desired.
• Familiarity with FINRA registered representative rules and regulations applicable to registered employees is an advantage preferred. 
• Experience representing a foreign-owned company before applicable national and local regulatory bodies including the SEC, BIR, BOI, and Taguig City LGU is preferred. 

 This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the job.  The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.   You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description.   You may be required perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.