Lead - Legal (Corporate Office - Pune)

JOB PURPOSE

Lead Legal is responsible for providing strategic legal leadership and advice across commercial, corporate, regulatory, compliance, governance, and dispute-related matters, as well as other matters assigned by the Group General Counsel from time to time. The role supports the achievement of business objectives through effective risk management, strong governance, and commercially sound legal solutions, while ensuring that the Company's interests are protected and its operations comply with applicable laws and ethical standards.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide strategic legal counsel and risk management support to business, operations, and functional leaders across manufacturing operations, technology centers, and aftermarket businesses, enabling the achievement of business objectives while safeguarding the Company's interests.
• Lead the structuring, drafting, negotiation, and management of commercial, corporate, and financing documentation, including agreements with OEMs, suppliers, customers, service providers, and business partners. Strengthen contract governance through the continuous enhancement of contracting processes, controls, and standard templates.
• Oversee and manage the Company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks and technology-related agreements, while supporting compliance initiatives relating to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, data protection, conflict of interest, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Foster a high-performance, business-oriented culture and ensure the delivery of timely, practical, and commercially sound legal support.
• Lead the management and resolution of litigation, disputes, investigations, employment-related matters, and regulatory proceedings, delivering commercially sound strategies that protect the Company's interests and mitigate legal and business risks.
• Build strong partnerships with business leaders and cross-functional teams, while effectively managing relationships with external counsel and advisors.
• Design and deliver legal and compliance training programs and provide proactive legal support on key business initiatives and projects.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Intellectual Property, Internal Audit, Human Resources, and other business functions to strengthen governance, risk management, and intellectual property protection across the organization.
• Support management on strategic transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, and investments, ensuring legal compliance and protection of the Company's interests.
• Support Administration, Facilities, and business teams on real estate matters, and undertake special projects and assignments as may be designated by the Group General Counsel from time to time.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized and reputed institution.
• Postgraduate qualifications in law or related disciplines will be an added advantage.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 12 years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal, commercial, compliance, and dispute resolution matters, preferably in the automotive, manufacturing, or multinational environment.
• Prior law firm experience will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial and corporate law, contract drafting and negotiation, litigation management, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Proven ability to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice while effectively balancing legal risk and commercial objectives.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong legal, analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, legal research, and statutory interpretation skills.
• Sound business acumen with the ability to provide commercially pragmatic legal solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• High levels of integrity, professional judgment, accountability, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in managing external counsel, advisors, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Willingness to travel as required to support business operations and strategic initiatives.

REPORTING - The position works along with the Group General Counsel.

RELOCATION - Outstation candidates will have to relocate to PUNE with family & will be eligible to avail the Relocation Policy benefits.

In case you are keen on exploring this opportunity please fill-in all the details in the screening questions outlined below and share it with us along with a copy of your updated resume/CV