Head - Legal/Regulatory & Compliance - Consumer Goods

Role : Head - Legal, Regulatory & Compliance:

Reports to : MD & CEO

Location : Gurgaon

About the Role :

The role will be responsible for leading the legal and compliance functions, managing risk, and ensuring adherence to all Indian and international laws, including those specific to the alcohol and food industries across Trademark, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Cyber Laws. Key duties include providing legal counsel to senior management, overseeing corporate and commercial matters, managing litigation, and developing and implementing compliance policies and programs. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in corporate law, compliance, and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment for alcohol production and sales in India.

Key responsibilities:

- Legal Counsel: Serve as the primary legal advisor to the executive team and board, providing strategic guidance on a wide range of legal matters including key areas like Trademark, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Cyber Laws.

- Compliance: Ensure the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, with a specific focus on industry-specific rules.

- Risk Management: Develop and implement programs to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks across the organization.

- Litigation and Disputes: Manage all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution processes, often in coordination with external counsel.

- Contracts: Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of all commercial contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

- Policy and Governance: Develop, implement, and maintain company policies and ensure strong corporate governance, including managing board and committee meetings.

- Intellectual Property: Protect the company's intellectual property and manage brand infringement matters.

- Investigations: Lead internal investigations and manage whistleblower complaints in a confidential and effective manner.

- External Relations: Act as the main point of contact for government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external legal counsel.

- Team Leadership: Lead and manage the legal and compliance team, fostering a culture of compliance and excellence.

Qualifications and skills:

- Education: A law degree is essential, along with admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.

- Experience: Significant experience, 14-16 years, with a strong background in in-house legal and compliance roles is preferred. Experience in the alcohol or consumer goods industry is highly beneficial.

- Expertise: Deep knowledge of Indian laws and regulations, particularly those affecting the alcohol industry, is crucial. Experience with corporate law, M&A, IPR, and litigation is required.

- Leadership: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage a team are critical for this senior role.

- Communication: Excellent communication and negotiation skills are necessary to advise senior management and interact with external stakeholders.