Assistant General Counsel & Director, Risk Management

Mitsubishi Motors North America • Franklin, TN

7d • $180,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel & Director, Risk Management is both legal advisor to the Company’s management team and leader of the facilities, corporate administration, and insured risks program, playing a key role in helping Mitsubishi Motors to do business in a progressive and compliant manner. In addition to being the primary legal advisor to several segments of MMNA’s business, the person in this role will also assume management responsibility for the Company’s insured matters, recommending changes to the insurance program structure, liaising with the Company’s insurance broker and working to mitigate risks within the Company. In addition, s/he will manage the Company’s real estate and lease matters, lead the Facilities & Corporate Administration team, lead the Employee Safety Awareness Committee and all safety matters and workers compensation claims, and ensure compliance with OSHA and similar requirements. This position reports to the SVP, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer. MMNA’s Legal Department is a special place – if you are looking to practice in an environment where your advice truly makes a difference to the business, read on!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) and J.D. or L.L.M. from an accredited law school.
• A member of the Bar in at least one U.S. state and be in good standing; must be eligible for admission to the Tennessee Bar.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• While individuals from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the successful candidate must have risk management or litigation experience.
• Flexible, willing to pitch in when and where needed.
• Extremely discerning with impeccable judgment, and able to develop trust with internal clients to influence optimal outcomes.
• Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization, including the executive team and members of MMC, and be comfortable making team and group presentations.
• As both attorney and leader of a business function, must be adept at being able to maintain attorney-client privilege when needed, and making non-privileged business decisions when necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and a sense of humor required.

Nice To Haves

• Working for an auto manufacturer, auto supplier, in supply chain, or as external counsel supporting same preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of data privacy and cybersecurity also preferred but not required.
• Coaching, mentoring, and engaging in performance management of direct and indirect reports.

Responsibilities

• Legal Advice and Counsel
• Responding to requests for legal advice and provide proactive counsel on a variety of business transactions and requirements efficiently and effectively; explain legal concepts to executives, business partners, including international business partners, in a clear and concise manner. This position will have significant and direct executive exposure.
• Develop deep understanding of Mitsubishi Motors’ business model, proactively identify areas of risk within the Company and work with other members of the Legal Department and business partners to mitigate risk.
• Manage other projects related to Risk Management and Compliance (document management and retention, business continuity assessments, etc.).
• Advise on insurance and indemnification/limitation of liability clauses in contractual relationships and provide guidance on risk tolerance.
• Provide legal advice concerning insurance and risk management and mitigation.
• Assist Chief Legal Officer with Enterprise Risk Assessment project and outcomes.
• Work closely with all business functions to ensure that strategic objectives are met while engaging in risk mitigation and improving compliance.
• Learn and work on emerging areas of the law applicable to the automotive industry, including emissions, automation, mobility, connectivity, data privacy, and associated technology.
• Provide advice and counsel as to laws and regulations applicable to the automotive industry; join related cross-functional business strategy teams as legal partner and advisor.
• Act as primary legal partner and advisor to Mitsubishi R&D of America, Inc., MMNA’s R&D subsidiary.
• Provide advice and counsel in other important areas of law, depending on prior legal background and interests.
• Exercise strategic judgment to engage external counsel on non-litigation matters when necessary.
• Although litigation management is not a primary responsibility of this position, may manage a portion of MMNA’s litigation docket, in partnership with external counsel (strategy, internal client recommendations, discovery, pleadings review, witness preparation, etc.). with very little, if any, oversight.
• Contract management is also not a primary responsibility of this position, but it will include some drafting, review and potentially negotiating contracts across the operation with emphasis on specific scope, including, but not limited to, data privacy (consumer and other), marketing, product planning, licensing, technology and data security.
• Managing the Company’s real estate portfolio (owned and leased properties) including transactions, strategy, and lease administration (note that another attorney in the department provides legal advice on real estate – you are not required to be an expert in real estate or landlord/tenant law!)
• Leading the relationship with the Company’s corporate tenants and landlords; negotiate all lease changes and extensions.
• Working with external broker, leading MMNA’s insurance marketing, renewals, placement, claims and litigation.
• Working with external broker, developing proactive strategies to optimize MMNA’s insured risks program – not just from a cost perspective, but also creative solutions and ensuring appropriate program scope.
• Advise Sales Operations on the Vehicle Lease Program and DMV compliance, and applicable policies and risk mitigation efforts.
• Act as subject matter expert for and lead Facilities and Corp. Admin. Specialist in the bid process, quotes, and RFPs for all third-party service vendors and providers; collaborate with Procurement to develop sourcing strategies and identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
• In conjunction with the operations manager at each facility, ensure compliance with all safety, environment, workers compensation, and other Risk Management policies and procedures.
• Lead and Chair the internal Employee Safety Awareness Committee.
• Train members of management on Real Estate/Facilities, Risk Management and Compliance issues as needed.
• Lead and coach your Facilities, Risk Management & Corporate Administration team (currently 2 tenured direct reports), and enable and encourage their growth and development, by fostering an environment of open, honest communications, teamwork, creativity, and high involvement, productivity, and efficiency.
• Keep an eye on internal growth and succession planning.
• Mentor and train team members on Company values and the achievement of short and long term organizational and departmental objectives.
• Ensure that the whole team understands the “big picture” and maintains awareness of national strategies and the strategies of other departments.
• Reduce/eliminate information silos and myopic viewpoints.
• Provide guidance as needed to employees on other teams to help identify opportunity areas with facilities, capital expenditures, and safety improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with the Human Resources department to ensure appropriate team and individual development.

Benefits

• Enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Take advantage of our Discounted Employee Lease Car program, covering insurance, maintenance, and registration fees, with no down payment or credit check required.
• This position comes with an assigned vehicle, contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.
• Benefit from our 401(k) with Company match and annual contributions based on years of service.
• Access professional development opportunities, including training, tuition reimbursement, and employee resource groups.
• Enjoy up to 30 days of paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and other leave options.
• Experience the perfect balance of remote and in-office work (~2 days remote, 3 days in-office) at our modern office, located in the vibrant Franklin, TN area.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director