Role: Company Secretary & Legal Counsel

Department / Section: Corporate Management

Experience: 8 - 10 Years

Location: Chennai, India

Office Location: JGC India Operations Centre, Chennai

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Start: Immediate

Reports To: Managing Director

Job Description:

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced Company Secretary & Legal Counsel to manage statutory compliance, corporate governance, legal documentation, contract review, and compliance-related responsibilities for JGC India Operations Centre, Chennai. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, supporting legal and corporate governance requirements, managing statutory records, and coordinating with the JGC Group Legal / Compliance team headquartered in Yokohama.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee compliance with statutory requirements under applicable laws, including the Companies Act, 2013, and assist in legal matters related to the Company's operations in Chennai.

- Maintain all corporate records, minutes, statutory registers, and filings with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

- Structure and implement compliance programs required for the office under the guidance of JGC Yokohama.

- Act as Company Secretary and ensure all statutory requirements are brought to the attention of the Managing Director and fully complied with.

- Schedule Board Meetings and CSR Committee Meetings and maintain minutes and records required to demonstrate corporate governance.

- Champion the Code of Business Conduct and act as the Company's Compliance Officer for oversight and reporting of any breaches or concerns.

- Draft and review purchase orders and other ad-hoc contracts, highlighting legal, compliance, and commercial risks to the relevant manager for resolution.

- Ensure legal and commercial risks are identified and addressed in contracts in coordination with relevant departments.

- Assist in due diligence activities, litigation management, and dispute resolution processes.

- Draft and review NDAs and service agreements required for the business.

- Respect diversity and encourage cooperation and teamwork.

- Be part of the overall Legal / Compliance team within JGC Group headquartered in Yokohama and provide assistance to the team as required.

- Perform other duties as reasonably required by Management.

Desired Candidate Profile:

Must-Have Skills / Experience:

- Bachelors degree in Law from a recognised university.

- Minimum 8 - 10 years of experience in company secretarial and corporate law administration.

- At least 5 - 7 years of contract negotiation experience.

- Qualified Company Secretary.

- Must be admitted to the Bar in India.

- Strong knowledge of statutory compliance, corporate governance, contract review, and legal documentation.

Preferred Skills:

- Understanding of Japanese corporate culture and customs.

- Knowledge of operations of large engineering companies.

- Administrative experience related to large international projects.

General Skills:

- High standard of English language ability, both written and spoken.

- Ability to use Microsoft Office tools effectively for daily work.

- Highly ethical, accountable for actions and statements, and able to work fully in compliance with the JGC Code of Business Conduct.

- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to lead, delegate tasks, and organize the team.

- Ability to understand and interpret complex problems and explain them clearly to others.

- High attention to detail and proactive follow-up.

- Willingness to take responsibility and make decisions at appropriate times within the defined authority level.

- Strong focus on efficiency, safety, profitability, and excellence.

- Excellent team player with the ability to understand and act on the needs of multiple stakeholders.