SEA Managing Counsel

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

As Managing Counsel - SEA, you will provide contractual and legal support to the APAC Region with a primary focus on supporting the SEA countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand and businesses (SEA), as the legal lead for Arup’s operations in those jurisdictions. Working collaboratively with in house legal colleagues, the business and external parties (clients, sub-contractors, partners), you will be an integral part of the APAC Region Legal team. To be successful in the role, the advisor will be highly collegiate, will develop relationships across all areas of the firm, helping others to understand the legal consequences of their decisions in order to secure the best outcomes for Arup.

The Opportunity

• Provision of legal advice to the SEA business and the broader APAC Region.
• Support the business and lead contract negotiations on high value and complex projects at various stages, including bidding, contract review, contract negotiation, and project inception.
• Managing a direct report within the Singapore office and performing the role of the legal lead for the SEA business.
• Interfacing with the business leadership teams in those geographies.
• Participation in the development of legal guidance material and training for the Region.
• Support commercial and contract management of high-risk projects during the lifecycle of the engagement (e.g. preparation of variations, programme changes and contract notices).
• Assistance in claims management, in conjunction with the APAC – Head of Dispute Resolution.
• Participation in APAC Regional Legal Team and Global Legal Team activities and tasks.
• Acts as a positive influence in the business to achieve pragmatic and commercial contract outcomes.

Key Relationships:

• Build internal stakeholder relationships with SEA Geographies business Leadership and Portfolio Leads;
• APAC Region legal team members and wider global legal team
• Key external client, partners and stakeholders;
• Corporate Services functions, Business networks and Project Directors.
• Geography, Portfolio, Group Leaders, Business Leaders and Board Members.
• Other staff and leaders within the APAC Region

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

• Current legal practising certificate within any of the SEA, Commonwealth or UK jurisdictions.
• 7+ years PQE
• Significant experience working in-house within the engineering, architecture construction, infrastructure and/or property industries, and/or having such experience in private practice with a top tier or boutique construction law firm.
• Sound professional networks within the SEA business markets that Arup operates.
• Experience in risk management, governance, compliance and/or dispute resolution is desirable.
• Exceptional communication (both written and verbal), negotiation, influencing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate with people at all levels in both technical and non-technical environments.
• Proven ability to multi-task and deliver to deadlines.
• Proven ability working in fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability providing pragmatic solutions to complex legal problems.
• Previous experience managing direct reports and/or teams.
• Proven ability developing strong, trusting relationships within large, complex international organisations.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Please see a list of Arup’s Singapore benefits below:

• Hybrid working policy & flexible working hours
• 13th month bonus
• Birthday leave
• Paid parental leave for birth mothers 16 weeks & new parents (excluding birth mothers) 4 weeks
• Purchase Additional leave of up to 20 days (permanent employees)
• Paid Annual subscription to relevant Professional association.
• Reimbursement of Professional Engineers application and examination Fees
• International mobility opportunities
• QP allowance
• Site Allowance
• Work related travel insurance
• Dental expense cover
• Marriage leave (3 days)
• Examination leave (2 days)
• Family care leave
• Bike Loans of up to SGD2000

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Arup provide an environment where you will make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.