Deputy Head - Company Secretary & Legal - Manufacturing/Auto

We are seeking a seasoned and highly strategic Deputy Head Company Secretary & Legal to oversee the secretarial and legal functions for a public listed entity.

As a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) under the Companies Act, 2013, this leadership position will serve as a vital link between the Board of Directors and management, ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance while safeguarding the companys interests.

This role involves planning and executing strategic legal initiatives, managing statutory compliance, monitoring litigation, and supporting board governance while aligning legal processes with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution

- Develop and execute legal and secretarial strategies in line with the business direction.

- Work closely with the executive team to advise on legal implications of business decisions.

- Monitor progress against strategic plans and ensure timely course corrections.

Legal Documentation

- Draft and review commercial agreements including IP, real estate, confidentiality, and consultancy agreements.

- Identify legal risks, advise on necessary revisions, and ensure compliance with internal standards.

- Oversee IP registrations, renewals, and infringement checks across geographies.

Advisory & Legal Research

- Provide legal advice on business initiatives and regulatory developments.

- Lead research on legal issues affecting the business, including corporate, commercial, and regulatory laws.

Litigation Management

- Oversee all ongoing litigation, including appointment and coordination with external counsel.

- Maintain legal records and ensure timely resolution of disputes to protect company interests.

Secretarial Compliance

- Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, FEMA, and other corporate laws.

- Supervise the preparation of Board and Committee meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and reports.

- Manage timely statutory filings and ensure all disclosures and returns are accurate and compliant.

- Coordinate General Meetings (AGM/EGM), handle Board evaluation processes, and maintain proper documentation.

Internal Policy & Governance Implementation

- Draft and update internal governance policies in line with regulatory changes and business needs.

- Monitor implementation across departments and report deviations to senior management.

Investor Relations

- Support investor communication and disclosure compliance.

- Coordinate press releases, result publications, and shareholder communication.

Team Management

- Lead and mentor the legal and secretarial teams.

- Ensure team development, succession planning, and performance evaluation.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Expertise in Company Law, SEBI Regulations, FEMA, and Corporate Governance.

- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and contract management skills.

- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management capabilities.

- Proven ability to work with Boards and C-level executives.

- High attention to detail and problem-solving orientation.

- Familiarity with legal aspects of a listed manufacturing/auto company is preferred