About FormativeFormative is a specialist search and advisory firm operating at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and private capital across Asia-Pacific. We are intentionally small, sector-focused, and an operator-led platform that builds markets, not desks.
We work with the companies building real-world systems, renewable platforms, digital infrastructure developers, and investor-backed businesses scaling the next generation of power and connectivity.
The Opportunity We are hiring a recruiter to build and own Formative’s Digital Infrastructure practice across Asia-Pacific.
What This Role Actually Looks LikeOriginate and run senior searches across data centres, cloud, connectivity, and mission-critical infrastructureDevelop relationships with developers, investors, hyperscalers, and hybrid energy/DC platformsBuild deep talent networks across APAC (Singapore, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia)Reverse-market exceptional talent into emerging opportunitiesWork directly with the founders on market strategy and growth and shape a practice designed for long-term value, not short-term volume
Who This Is ForHas learned the craft inside a larger platform but wants more controlIs commercially driven and comfortable creating opportunity from scratchThinks in markets and relationships, not just rolesWants to build something meaningful rather than operate inside layers of processIs motivated by ownership, autonomy, and long-term upside
Who This Is Not ForPrefers delivery-only rolesNeeds heavy internal infrastructureAvoids commercial responsibility
What You BringExperience recruiting within digital infrastructure, energy, or an adjacent technical marketsEvidence of originating work, not only delivering itStrong client communication and commercial instinctsResilience and consistency over timeA builder mindset
Why Join FormativeHigh autonomy and direct access to decision making with real input Support where it matters, without bureaucracy, politics, or a toxic atmosphereEconomics aligned to performance and impact, with a potential to earn seriously well.
This is a long-game opportunity for someone ready to move from participant to builder. So if you think this is your next career move, contact me at adam@formativesearch.com.
The Opportunity
We are conducting a search for a Legal Counsel on behalf of a leading independent shipping company headquartered in Singapore.
This is a hands-on, generalist shipping role within a small in-house legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel. It offers genuine breadth of work, real commercial exposure and close access to senior leadership from day one.
What You’ll Be Doing
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating charterparties, contracts of affreightment and related shipping documents.Advising on charterparty disputes, demurrage and cargo claims, and managing external counsel.Supporting corporate matters including governance, compliance and entity management across the group.Assisting with vessel acquisitions, S&P transactions and financing arrangements.Providing day-to-day legal support to commercial and operational teams.Monitoring regulatory developments including sanctions, environmental rules and flag state requirements.
Who They’re Looking For
EssentialSingapore-qualified lawyer.2–5 years’ PQE with meaningful exposure to shipping, maritime or trade matters.Strong drafting and negotiation skills with sound commercial judgement.Able to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
AdvantageousExperience in vessel S&P, ship finance or international trade contracts.Prior in-house experience at a shipping company or commodity trading house.Familiarity with sanctions regimes and IMO/MAS regulatory frameworks.
Why Consider This RoleBroad, high-quality workload spanning shipping, commercial and corporate law.Direct mentorship from an experienced General Counsel.International working environment with interaction across global offices.Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience.Real opportunity for growth within an expanding business.
