Senior Legal Counsel - fitness/ healthcare/ beauty clinics

Job Description

California Wellness Group is a leading integrated wellness ecosystem operating premium California Fitness & Yoga, Non-Invasive Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Vita Clinic, and some other brands across Vietnam.

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive In-house Senior Legal Counsel to ensure the legal integrity and compliance of our entire group of companies. This pivotal role will be the primary legal advisor to senior management and operational teams, navigating the complex regulatory landscape of Vietnam's healthcare, wellness, and consumer sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for mitigating legal risk, safeguarding intellectual property, managing contracts, and ensuring that our rapid growth is built on a solid legal foundation.

This position will report to CFO (expat).

2. Key Responsibilities:

A. Corporate Governance & Compliance:

• Serve as the corporate secretary for the group's entities, ensuring adherence to the Law on Enterprises and other relevant regulations.
• Manage board meetings, general meetings of shareholders, and maintain all corporate records.
• Secure and maintain all necessary business licenses, permits, and certifications for fitness clubs, aesthetic clinics, and other business units (e.g., MOH licenses for medical devices, MOCST licenses for gyms).
• Monitor and ensure compliance with evolving laws in healthcare, personal data protection (DPPA), advertising, e-commerce, labor, and taxation.

B. Contract Management & Commercial Law:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts, including:
  • Vendor and procurement agreements.
  • Client service agreements for aesthetic and fitness services.
  • Commercial leases for clinic and gym locations.
  • Employment contracts, consultant agreements, and NDAs.
  • Marketing, sponsorship, and partnership agreements.
• Develop and maintain a standardized contract lifecycle management system.

C. Regulatory Affairs & Risk Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Department of Planning and Investment.
• Develop and implement robust compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures (e.g., Data Privacy Policy, Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery Policy).
• Conduct regular legal audits and risk assessments across all business units.
• Manage the company's response to any regulatory inspections or inquiries.

D. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy to protect the group's brand, trademarks, proprietary treatment protocols, and business secrets.
• Manage the registration, maintenance, and enforcement of trademarks and other IP assets in Vietnam.
• Handle IP infringement and brand protection matters.

E. Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management:

• Manage and oversee all legal disputes, including customer complaints, contractual disagreements, and employment disputes.
• Select, instruct, and manage relationships with external law firms when specialized litigation is required.
• Develop strategies to resolve disputes efficiently and minimize reputational and financial impact.

Job Requirement

Essential:

• Law degree from a recognized Vietnamese university. A Master of Laws or additional qualifications is a strong plus.
• Admitted to the Vietnamese Bar Association.
• A minimum of 5 years of combined experience from a reputable law firm and as an in-house counsel, preferably in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, or hospitality sectors.
• Proven expertise in Vietnamese corporate law, contract law, healthcare regulations, and compliance.
• Demonstrable experience in licensing and regulatory affairs with Vietnamese government bodies.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English and Vietnamese.

Desired:

• Specific experience in the aesthetics, medical, or fitness industry is a significant advantage.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to provide practical, risk-balanced legal advice that supports business objectives.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

4. What We Offer:

• A competitive executive compensation package with performance-based bonuses.
• The unique opportunity to build the legal function from the ground up within a high-growth, innovative company.
• A pivotal leadership role with significant impact on the company's strategic direction and risk profile.
• A dynamic and professional working environment within a passionate team.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and continuous learning opportunities.