Website:
bgr-global.com
Job details:
Legal Head – Group General Counsel
Location: Delhi/NCR
Our client is a reputed auto component manufacturing company.
Role Purpose
The Legal Head will serve as Group General Counsel, leading the Legal and Company Secretarial (CS) functions for the group. The role will act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board, safeguarding the organisation’s legal interests while enabling growth in a JV‑ and PE‑backed manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Legal Strategy and Governance
- Lead the overall legal and CS strategy for the group, aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Advise the CEO, Board and senior leadership on legal risks, mitigation strategies and governance best practices.
- Design and implement legal policies, frameworks and SOPs to ensure robust risk management and compliance across all entities.
2. JV, PE and Corporate Structuring
- Provide expert counsel on joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements and their implications for all partners.
- Structure and negotiate JV, PE and strategic partnership deals, balancing commercial outcomes with legal risk.
- Lead legal due diligence, documentation and closing for mergers, acquisitions, restructuring and divestments.
3. Contracts, Commercial and IP
- Oversee drafting, vetting and negotiation of all critical commercial contracts, including supply, customer, technology, licensing and services agreements.J
- Ensure legal soundness and commercial clarity in long‑term contracts with OEMs, vendors, JV partners and PE investors.
- Protect and manage the group’s intellectual property portfolio (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets).
4. Regulatory Compliance and Risk
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relevant to auto manufacturing and allied manufacturing businesses.
- Develop and monitor compliance programs covering Companies Act, securities laws (as applicable), competition law, environmental and safety regulations, and sector‑specific regulations.
- Anticipate and proactively manage legal and regulatory risks; set internal controls and guidelines to minimise exposure.
5. Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Oversee all litigation and pre‑litigation matters, including commercial disputes, employment issues, regulatory proceedings and arbitration.
- Select and manage external counsel; define strategy, budgets and expected outcomes.
- Aim for early, business‑sensible dispute resolution while firmly protecting the group’s interests.
6. Company Secretarial and Board Support
- Lead the CS function, ensuring timely and accurate compliance with all corporate secretarial requirements.
- Support the Board and Committees with agendas, minutes, statutory filings and governance documentation.
- Ensure that Board processes, approvals and delegations of authority adhere to legal and regulatory norms.
7. Government, Regulatory and Stakeholder Interface
- Act as the public face of Corporate Affairs for the group with government bodies, regulators, industry associations and other external stakeholders.
- Build and manage relationships with ministries, regulatory authorities and, where appropriate, policy makers and law makers.
- Represent the group in key policy discussions and consultations relevant to the auto and manufacturing sectors.
8. Leadership and Team Development
- Build and lead a high‑calibre legal and CS team supporting multiple business units and geographies.
- Drive a culture of proactive, business‑friendly legal support rather than reactive issue handling.
- Mentor and develop team members to handle complex contracts, negotiations and cross‑border issues.
Candidate Profile
Education
- Mandatory: Degree in Law (LLB)
- Preferred: LLM and Company Secretary (CS) qualification.
Experience
- Total experience typically 18–25 years, with at least 8–10 years in a senior leadership or head‑of‑legal role.
- Strong exposure to auto manufacturing is a must; if not auto, then core manufacturing industry experience is essential.
- Proven experience in JV structures, PE‑backed companies or complex investor/shareholder environments.
- Significant experience in managing large, complex contracts, JVs, M&A transactions and IP protection.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong business acumen and the ability to balance risk management with growth and commercial outcomes.
- Deep, practical understanding of legal frameworks governing JVs, PE investments, manufacturing operations and cross‑border arrangements.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting and communication skills, comfortable dealing with promoters, investors, OEMs and regulators.J
- High integrity, sound judgement and resilience in handling sensitive and high‑stakes matters.
- Ability to operate as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board while remaining hands‑on where required.
Personal Attributes
- Mature, confident and credible with senior stakeholders and external authorities.
- Collaborative, yet firm in upholding governance and compliance standards.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, promoter‑driven environment with evolving business needs.
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