Description:

Company Description

Som Group of Companies is an integrated AlcoBev conglomerate based in Central India, engaged in the production of Beer, Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Ready-to-Drink beverages, and Country Liquor. With an end-to-end presence across brewery, distillery, ancillary units, and a nationwide distribution network, the Group is recognized for its high-quality brands such as Hunter, Blackfort, and Power Cool. The organization is driven by a strong commitment to quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and long-term stakeholder trust.

Role Description

The Head of Legal & Compliance will oversee all legal, regulatory, and governance functions for the organization. This full-time, on-site leadership role based in Bhopal will be responsible for ensuring end-to-end legal compliance, managing statutory and corporate governance requirements, and driving enterprise-wide legal risk mitigation strategies. The role involves leading legal strategy, managing regulatory interactions, safeguarding organizational interests, and advising the senior management/Board on critical legal and compliance matters.

Key Responsibilities (KRAs)

- Oversee end-to-end legal, regulatory, and statutory compliance for the company across all units and business verticals.

- Ensure compliance with Companies Act, FEMA regulations, NBFC guidelines (if applicable), LODR requirements, IEPF, and all applicable state excise and AlcoBev industry regulations.

- Lead drafting, vetting, negotiation, and execution of all legal documents including agreements, contracts, MoUs, lease agreements, trademark/patent documentation, and strategic tie-up agreements.

- Manage corporate governance practices, including oversight of Board/Committee meetings, agenda preparation, minutes recording, and statutory record maintenance.

- Drive all secretarial audits, compliance audits, and internal governance reviews ensuring zero non-compliance.

- Oversee litigation management, dispute resolution, arbitration matters, and recovery-related legal actions.

- Liaise effectively with government departments, statutory bodies, banks, external law firms, consultants, and regulatory authorities.

- Lead compliance frameworks related to trademarks, legal metrology, intellectual property management, and licensing requirements.

- Monitor and manage statutory filings, ROC compliance, annual return filings, and documentation related to incorporation/governance.

- Provide legal advisory to top management on business decisions, risk management, policy formulation, M&A, partnerships, and commercial operations.

- Identify potential legal risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure organizational protection through proactive planning.

- Ensure robust contract lifecycle management, documentation control, and internal policy governance.

- Oversee legal research, regulatory scanning, and updates on compliance changes impacting the organization.

- Build, mentor, and lead the in-house legal and compliance team ensuring high performance, accuracy, and efficiency.

Required Skillsets

- Strong expertise in corporate legal compliance, governance frameworks, and statutory regulations.

- In-depth knowledge of legal drafting, vetting, and negotiation of a wide range of commercial and corporate agreements.

- Solid understanding of Companies Act, FEMA, NBFC compliance, LODR, IEPF, and AlcoBev industry-related legal frameworks.

- Proven experience in litigation management, dispute resolution, arbitration, and statutory recovery matters.

- High proficiency in drafting legal opinions, commercial contracts, MoUs, NDAs, lease and construction agreements, JV agreements, and settlement agreements.

- Strong experience in trademark, patent, IP management, and legal metrology regulations.

- Excellent stakeholder management skills for working with government authorities, banks, regulators, law firms, and internal leadership teams.

- Exceptional communication skills, with proficiency in preparing meeting agendas, minutes, legal notes, and compliance reports.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to anticipate risks and design preventive strategies.

- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical judgment in all legal and compliance matters.

- Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams, driving compliance culture, and implementing legal best practices.

Eligibility & Experience

- Professional Certification as a Company Secretary (CS) with active ICSI membership preferred.

- MBA/LLB/LLM qualification with strong grounding in corporate and commercial law.

- 15 - 20 years of progressive experience in Legal, Compliance, and Company Secretarial functions.

- Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, AlcoBev, or highly regulated industries preferred.

- Proven track record in managing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes legal matters.