Director - Legal Counsel

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world's leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people-Kyndryls-that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Your role

As Senior Counsel for Kyndryl Japan, you will advise on legal matters across the Japan business and manage legal risks in major transactions and complex contract negotiations. Focusing on IT infrastructure services, you will provide practical and strategic guidance on commercial transactions, corporate matters, and employment law, including high-priority or complex issues escalated by the Contracts & Negotiations team.

Working with business teams, customers, internal and external stakeholders, and the Global Legal team, including U.S. headquarters, you will support decision-making in both Japanese and English.

What you will do

• Provide practical and strategic legal advice to business teams on legal matters relating to operations in Japan

• Review customer contracts, commercial terms, and legal issues involving IT infrastructure services

• Analyze complex contracts and negotiations escalated by the Contracts & Negotiations team, and recommend negotiation strategies and solutions

• Assess legal risks associated with customer contract negotiations and propose mitigation measures and alternatives

• Advise on a broad range of matters affecting the Japan business, including general corporate, employment and labor, and compliance matters

• Advise on post-contract legal issues and potential disputes

• Address contractual and legal matters involving Managed Infrastructure, Cloud, Cyber Security, Data & AI, and Consulting

• Collaborate with U.S. headquarters and the Global Legal team on cross-border matters and legal issues

• Work in Japanese and English with business teams, the Contracts & Negotiations team, and internal and external stakeholders to resolve matters

Who You Are

Required skills and experience

• Qualification to practice law in Japan, or in a major common-law jurisdiction such as New York, California, Washington, D.C., or the United Kingdom

• Approximately 12 or more years of post-qualification experience in a law firm or an in-house legal department

• Broad and in-depth knowledge and experience in general corporate law, commercial transactions, and contract law

• Experience reviewing customer contracts, negotiating complex agreements, analyzing legal risks, and advising business teams

• Experience handling legal matters affecting business operations in Japan, including employment and labor law

• Proven ability to propose practical solutions to sophisticated legal issues while considering business perspectives

• Understanding of the IT services or technology sector, or the ability to quickly learn new business areas

• Advanced business communication skills in both Japanese and English, including contract negotiation and legal advisory capabilities

Preferred skills and experience

• Qualification to practice law in Japan, with broad experience in corporate and contract law under Japanese law

• In-house legal experience in IT infrastructure, IT services, cloud, cybersecurity, or technology companies

• Experience working in both a law firm and an in-house legal department

• Experience negotiating and advising on large-scale, complex commercial transactions and IT services agreements

• Knowledge of Managed Infrastructure, Cloud, Cyber Security, Data & AI, and Consulting

• Generalist experience across multiple legal areas, including employment and labor law

• Experience collaborating with Contracts & Negotiations, Sales, and business teams to develop practical solutions

• Experience working in Japanese and English within a multinational company or global organization

• Experience collaborating with U.S. headquarters and global legal teams

Being You

The "Kyn" in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we're excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging - being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team - is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That's The Kyndryl Way.