Director, Country Lawyer – Japan & Korea (Orthopaedics)

About the role

This senior legal position leads the DePuy Synthes business in Japan and South Korea, providing strategic counsel across commercial, medical, supply chain and corporate functions. The role is highly visible, influencing patient access, business performance and operational integrity in two critical markets.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal advisor for DePuy Synthes activities in Japan and South Korea, covering commercial, medical and operational matters.
• Provide strategic counsel on regulatory, compliance, corporate governance, commercial contracting and dispute issues.
• Ensure compliance with local laws, industry codes and company policies, including healthcare regulations.
• Manage investigations, litigation and government inquiries, coordinating with in‑house and external counsel.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements such as distributor, supplier and strategic partnership contracts.
• Advise leadership on risk mitigation, balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Collaborate with regional and global legal teams and privacy/healthcare compliance groups to align policies and best practices.
• Support organizational changes, transactions and strategic initiatives, including integration and separation activities.

Required profile

• Law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent) and qualification to practice law in Japan.
• 10+ years of progressive legal experience, preferably in regulated industries such as medical devices or healthcare.
• Fluency in Japanese and business‑level English; Korean language skills are a plus.
• Proven ability to give clear, practical advice to senior leaders and manage external counsel.
• Experience working in a matrixed, global organization and handling multi‑country legal responsibilities.

Required skills

• Commercial law
• Regulatory compliance
• Corporate governance
• Dispute resolution
• Negotiation
• Legal document preparation