Overview
We are looking for a corporate lawyer to lead our legal function, work closely with other departments and build a sound legal department. The role calls for in-depth expertise in labour and commercial contracts and a sound working knowledge across all other areas of corporate law.
What you will do
Leading the legal function
• Set up the legal department: policies, contract approval routes, a contract and case register, and standard templates.
• Work with HR, Finance, Merchandising, Sourcing, Compliance and the factories as their first point of contact on legal matters, giving practical advice that supports the business.
Labour and employment
• Advise management and HR on all labour law matters, and ensure compliance across our factories with employment, wages, EPF/ETF, gratuity, factories and termination legislation.
• Draft and maintain employment contracts, HR policies, the disciplinary code and domestic inquiry procedures.
• Manage Labour Tribunal cases, Commissioner of Labour inquiries and industrial disputes, appearing directly or briefing external counsel.
• Advise on trade union relations, collective agreements and worker councils, and support buyer social compliance audits.
Commercial contracts
• Draft, review and negotiate customer supply agreements, supplier and subcontracting contracts, licensing agreements, leases, NDAs, service agreements and finance documents.
• Protect the company’s intellectual property and brand licences.
Corporate, regulatory and governance
• Ensure compliance with BOI agreements and regulations, company law, customs, environmental and data protection requirements.
• Support board and shareholder matters, statutory filings and corporate governance processes.
• Monitor new legislation, gazettes and amendments, and advise the business on their impact.
Litigation and external counsel
• Oversee all litigation, and engage and manage external counsel for specialist matters such as M&A, restructuring and cross-border transactions.
What you need to have
• Attorney-at-Law and member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, with at least [4] years of post-qualified experience.
• In-house experience at a manufacturing company, ideally apparel or another large-workforce industry, is preferred.
• Hands-on expertise in labour law, including handling Labour Tribunal and Commissioner of Labour matters.
• A strong track record in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Working knowledge of company law and BOI regulations. Company secretarial experience is an added advantage.
• Commercial judgement, and the ability to explain legal risks clearly and practically to the business.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Sinhala. Tamil is an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently, build working relationships across the business and manage multiple work streams.
Send your CV to ec.careers@emeraldclothing.com
(Please state the position applied for in the subject line.)
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Degree Specialization
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About Emerald Clothing Private Limited
Emerald Clothing (Private) Limited (ECL) is one of Sri Lanka’s premier apparel manufacturers. Its promoters have built a heritage enterprise spanning over 70 years, founded on design excellence, innovation, craftsmanship and long-standing retail industry expertise.