Senior Legal Counsel - APAC

FMC Corporation is a global leader in agricultural sciences, driven by our purpose: Innovation for Agriculture. Solutions for the Planet. We are passionate about the power of science to solve agriculture’s biggest challenges. With one of the most productive and diversified pipelines in the industry, FMC is delivering cutting-edge and next-generation crop protection technologies – including Dodhylex™ active, Isoflex™ active, rimisoxafen, and fluindapyr – to help farmers increase the productivity and resilience of their land. Our employees are at the heart of this innovation. We’re looking for bold thinkers and collaborative doers. At FMC, your ideas matter. From day one, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that drives progress in agriculture, supported by a culture that values integrity, safety, respect, and results. Join us in advancing the future of agriculture. Together, we’re building a more resilient planet – one innovation at a time.

Position Summary

The Senior Legal Counsel is part of FMC's APAC Legal team and provides broad legal support across multiple jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region. This person will act as a trusted business partner, advising on a wide range of commercial, corporate, compliance, employment and dispute-related matters. The role requires a pragmatic and business-oriented lawyer who can balance legal risk with commercial objectives while working closely with regional and global stakeholders. The position also contributes to legal operations, process improvement and the continued development of an integrated APAC legal function.

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Role

Commercial & Business Partnership

Act as a legal business partner to commercial and functional teams across APAC jurisdictions.

Support business teams by:

o Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, including distribution and agency agreements, supply, manufacturing and tolling agreements, licensing, collaboration and R&D agreements, NDAs, and standard commercial contracts.

o Supporting key strategic projects, including new business models and product launches.

o Advising on regulatory matters.

Corporate & Governance

Support corporate governance matters for APAC entities, including:

o Board and shareholder documentation.

o Director appointments and resignations.

o Coordination with external counsel on statutory filings.

o Ensuring appropriate legal oversight of corporate actions in assigned jurisdictions.

Ethics & Compliance

Support the implementation of compliance programs across the region, including:

o Delivering training on key local regulations and FMC policies.

o Investigating potential non-compliance issues and making recommendations in support of the Global Ethics Office.

Claims & Litigation Management

Manage claims and litigation across selected APAC jurisdictions, including commercial, product, employment, and regulatory disputes.

Coordinate and oversee external counsel, including strategy and cost control.

Assess risks and provide practical recommendations to the business.

Employment & HR Support

Act as a legal partner to the HR team on employment matters, including:

o Disciplinary matters and terminations.

o Employee disputes.

o Advising on labor law compliance and employment risk management.

Team Collaboration & Legal Operations

Work collaboratively within a regional and remote APAC legal team supporting multiple countries.

Partner with colleagues in the Global Law Department on matters including intellectual property, governance, ethics, and compliance.

Manage and coordinate external counsel efficiently, with a strong focus on cost control and value.

Contribute to knowledge sharing, template standardization, and process improvements.

Utilize legal technology tools, including contract lifecycle management systems, law firm spend and invoice tracking systems, and AI-powered contract review tools.

The Candidate

Admitted to the Bar in at least one APAC jurisdiction (common law background preferred).

Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), with significant experience in a highly regulated industry (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, medical devices, or FMCG).

Experience providing legal support across multiple APAC jurisdictions; regional legal experience is highly preferred.

Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership.

Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal matters.

Strong legal and commercial acumen with a practical, solution-oriented approach.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, agile, and matrixed organization.

Self-motivated team player with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Fluent in English; proficiency in an additional APAC language (Mandarin or Malay/Bahasa) is preferred.

Core Competencies

Functional and technical legal expertise

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Resilience and adaptability

Strong written and verbal communication

High ethical standards and integrity

Proactive and business-focused mindset

FMC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions at FMC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We value diversity and strive to ensure that our hiring and employment practices support a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.