Overview:
We are looking for a highly experienced legal leader to take ownership of all legal and compliance matters across our global manufacturing operations. The Director will be the companys trusted legal advisor, responsible for mitigating legal risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting the companys interests in complex international environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Support: Develop and implement a structured compliance and risk management framework for overseas operations, proactively identifying legal and operational risks, and ensuring alignment with global legal standards.
- Legal Advisory: Provide authoritative legal advice to senior leadership on a wide range of issues including corporate governance, international contract law, trade compliance, employment law, intellectual property, and regulatory developments.
- Contract Management: Lead the drafting, negotiation, review, and execution of international contracts, ensuring they protect the companys interests and comply with applicable laws. Develop and maintain standardized contract templates adaptable to multiple jurisdictions.
- Dispute Resolution: Manage and lead responses to disputes, including litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and government inquiries, coordinating internal stakeholders and external counsel to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Compliance Leadership: Design, implement, and oversee compliance policies and programs to ensure adherence to laws and internal standards across multiple jurisdictions. Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and training to maintain a strong compliance culture.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with HR, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and other teams to embed legal and compliance controls into everyday business processes.
- External Counsel Management: Select, manage, and optimize the use of external legal advisors to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- International Engagement: Conduct regular site visits to international locations to assess legal risks, deliver training, and reinforce compliance culture on the ground.
Qualifications:
- Law degree (JD, LLB, or equivalent) from a recognized institution; admission to practice law preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience within multinational manufacturing or industrial companies.
- Deep expertise in international contract law, trade and export controls, employment law, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead comprehensive legal and compliance frameworks from the ground up.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with an ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 40% of the time.
