General Manager - CS & Legal

Job Title: GM CS & Legal (CS&L)

Location: HO, Noida

Job Purpose:

The Head CS & Legal (CS&L) is responsible for overseeing the legal and corporate secretarial functions within the organization. This includes managing legal compliance, corporate governance, and company secretarial activities, while ensuring legal risks are mitigated, regulatory requirements are met, and the company adheres to its internal policies and procedures. The role also involves advising senior management and the board on legal matters, ensuring smooth legal operations, and ensuring adherence to corporate governance standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Corporate Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure Legal Compliance: Ensure the company is in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, including corporate governance practices, securities laws, and industry-specific regulations.
• Corporate Governance Framework: Develop, implement, and maintain the corporate governance framework, including overseeing the function of the Board of Directors and committees.
• Prepare and Review Documents: Prepare, review, and maintain documents related to corporate governance, including shareholder agreements, board meeting minutes, resolutions, and compliance documentation.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management:

• Provide Legal Advice: Advise senior management and the board on legal matters, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
• Risk Assessment: Identify and assess legal risks and recommend strategies for mitigation.
• Contract Management: Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and review of contracts and agreements to ensure legal compliance and minimize risk to the organization.

Secretarial & Regulatory Functions:

• Manage Corporate Secretarial Functions: Oversee all aspects of corporate secretarial activities, including maintaining statutory books, registers, and records, and ensuring timely filing with regulatory bodies.
• Ensure Statutory Compliance: Ensure the timely submission of statutory filings, including annual reports, returns, and other compliance documentation to regulatory authorities such as the Registrar of Companies (RoC) or relevant authorities.
• Organize Board Meetings: Organize and coordinate board meetings, annual general meetings (AGMs), and other shareholder meetings. Ensure all necessary documentation and filings are completed for these meetings.

Legal Disputes & Litigation Management:

• Manage Legal Disputes: Oversee and manage any legal disputes, lawsuits, or claims involving the company.

• Litigation Management: Coordinate with external counsel to handle litigation matters and protect the companys interests in legal proceedings.
• Settlement Negotiations: Lead negotiations related to legal disputes, ensuring settlements are in the best interests of the organization.

Legal Compliance & Training:

• Compliance Monitoring: Monitor the company’s legal compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Training & Awareness: Conduct training and awareness sessions for employees on legal and regulatory matters, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption policies, data protection laws, and corporate ethics.
• Internal Policies: Review and update the company’s internal policies and procedures to ensure they remain compliant with legal requirements.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead Legal and CS Team: Lead and manage the legal and corporate secretarial team, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives and legal strategies.
• Staff Development: Provide mentorship, training, and development opportunities to the legal and secretarial teams to build a high-performing team.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate resources are allocated for legal and compliance matters to ensure business continuity and effective risk management.

Corporate Restructuring & M&A Support:

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Provide legal guidance and support for corporate restructuring, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Due Diligence: Oversee and manage the legal aspects of due diligence processes and integration for mergers or acquisitions.
• Regulatory Approvals: Coordinate with regulatory bodies to secure approvals for corporate transactions, ensuring compliance with all necessary legal and regulatory requirements.

External Relations & Stakeholder Management:

• Liaise with External Counsel: Work closely with external legal counsel for specialized advice or representation.
• Regulatory Authorities: Maintain relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and accurate filings and responses to legal queries.
• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate legal matters to key internal stakeholders, including senior management, employees, and the board.

Key Competencies:

1. Extensive Knowledge of Corporate Law: In-depth understanding of corporate law, corporate governance, and compliance requirements.

2. Strong Legal Acumen: Excellent legal skills in contract management, dispute resolution, and risk assessment.

3. Leadership & Management: Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to oversee a diverse team and manage resources effectively.

4. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex legal issues and offer practical, business-focused solutions.

5. Attention to Detail: High attention to detail with the ability to spot issues and ensure compliance.

6. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with senior management, legal teams, external counsel, and stakeholders.

7. Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, especially in contract negotiations and dispute settlements.

Experience:

• 12+ years of experience in corporate law, legal advisory, and corporate governance, with a minimum of 8 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing corporate secretarial functions, legal compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in mergers, acquisitions, and handling litigation matters is preferred.

Functional/Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Legal Software (e.g., Contract Management Systems).
• Knowledge of Corporate Governance and regulatory compliance standards.
• Advanced MS Office Skills for documentation and reporting.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from a reputed institution.
• Master’s degree in Law or a related field (LLM) is preferred.
• Corporate Secretarial qualifications (e.g., Company Secretary – CS) is an advantage.