Associate Manager - Legal

Job Summary:

To provide comprehensive legal and regulatory support to the organization by ensuring compliance with all applicable laws governing the FMCG sector, including factory and food laws. The role is responsible for managing contracts, trademarks, compliance, and litigation, thereby safeguarding the companys legal and business interests.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contract & Agreement Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate various business agreements including vendor, distributor, lease, employment, marketing, and service contracts.
• Ensure all agreements are legally sound and align with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Maintain a centralized database of all executed contracts with tracking for renewals and expiries.

2. Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws such as the Factories Act, Shops & Establishments Act, FSSAI, Legal Metrology Act, Food Safety and Standards Act, and other FMCG-related regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise management on their business impact.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure adherence to statutory requirements and timely filings.

3. Intellectual Property (Trademarks & Branding)

• Manage and protect company trademarks, brand names, and other intellectual property assets.
• Handle trademark searches, filings, renewals, oppositions, and infringement actions in coordination with IP counsels.
• Ensure marketing and packaging materials comply with trademark and copyright laws.

4. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Manage all legal notices, consumer complaints, disputes, and litigation in coordination with external counsel.
• Draft responses, prepare case summaries, and ensure timely representation in courts and tribunals.
• Maintain an updated tracker of ongoing cases and monitor legal risks and outcomes.

5. Food Laws & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, and related regulations governing food labeling, packaging, and advertising.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities on food product approvals, licensing, and inspection requirements.
• Support internal audits and provide legal inputs on new product launches, claims, and promotions.

6. Factory Laws & Operations

• Ensure compliance with Factories Act, labor welfare laws, and safety regulations applicable to manufacturing units.
• Coordinate with HR and plant administration on licenses, registrations, and renewals.
• Support in addressing factory inspections, notices, and compliance documentation.

7. Corporate & Policy Support

• Assist in drafting and reviewing internal company policies and SOPs related to legal, compliance, and ethics.
• Support in corporate governance activities and board-related documentation.
• Provide legal training and awareness sessions for employees and business teams.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of commercial, corporate, and FMCG industry-specific laws.
• Expertise in trademark management, food and factory laws, and contract drafting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across functions.

Qualification & Experience:

• Education: LLB (5-year or 3-year) from a recognized university; LLM preferred.
• Experience: 4–7 years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal function, preferably in FMCG, manufacturing, or food processing sectors.
• Added Advantage: Exposure to FSSAI regulations, Factory compliance, Trademark laws, and Legal Metrology.

Key Interfaces:

• Internal: HR, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Plant Administration.
• External: Legal counsels, regulatory authorities, vendors, distributors, and consultants.

Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Timely contract execution and renewals.
• Zero non-compliance observations in audits.
• Effective management of litigation and regulatory matters.
• Protection and timely renewal of trademarks and licenses.
• Legal compliance with food and factory laws across units.