Job Description

Introduction

We are looking for a Senior Corporate Counsel to work closely with the Managing Director and his leadership team based in Tokyo to support decisions across Japan & Micronesia. As a trusted legal partner, you will provide clear, commercially-minded advice that enables IHG’s Japan & Micronesia business to move forward with confidence - anticipating risk, structuring practical solutions, and navigating the local regulatory environment in a measured and effective way and ensuring global alignment across wide practice areas. If you’re ready to be a key voice at the table, this role offers impact and autonomy in a high-growth region.

Based in Japan, this position presents a compelling opportunity for Japan‑qualified/ highly experienced Japanese lawyers currently outside the country to bring their international experience into a senior in‑market role. We welcome applications from overseas‑based candidates who are interested in relocating to Japan as their next career step.

Your Day to Day

• Act as a trusted legal advisor and a generalist to IHG’s business across areas such as IP, regulatory, privacy, real estate, construction and legal operations.

• Advise on matters across the hotel lifecycle, starting from drafting, negotiating letters of intent, MOUs, hotel management and franchise agreements, variation, supplier, vendor, sales, marketing, sponsorship and other commercial agreements.

• Identify and manage legal and regulatory risk, ensuring compliance with local laws and internal policies.

• Partner closely with regional and global legal colleagues to deliver consistent, high ‑quality legal support.

• Manage and direct external legal counsel to ensure effective and timely outcomes for matters outsourced to external law firms and related service providers.

• Fully utilize IHG systems including legal matter management and related systems and be responsible for building legal knowledge in our Tokyo office.

What We Need From You

• At least 8+ years’ PQE across law firms and in ‑house roles in Japan.

• Strong background in drafting, negotiation and excellent communication skills in English and Japanese (both verbal and written) and ability to partner both legal and non-legal stakeholders.

• Pro-active mindset, with experience working on a global legal team with strong organization, time and project management skills and ability to manage changing priorities.

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