Head of Legal

Job Description: Head of Legal and Company Secretary

Location: Gurgaon

Industry: Retail Organization with 400+ stores pan India

Role Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished Head of Legal and Company Secretary to lead and manage the organization's legal and secretarial functions. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution across contracts, agreements, statutory compliance, litigation management, and corporate governance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal acumen, robust problem-solving capabilities, and the willingness to attend court proceedings as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Responsibilities:

Contract and Agreement Management:

1. Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize various contracts, including vendor agreements, lease deeds, and other legal documents.
2. Ensure all contracts meet business objectives and legal requirements.

Litigation Management:

1. Handle and represent the organization in court proceedings, consumer disputes, and arbitration cases.
2. Collaborate with external counsel to manage ongoing litigations effectively.

Compliance:

1. Oversee compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and statutory obligations related to retail operations.
2. Conduct regular audits to identify and mitigate legal risks.

Legal Advisory:

1. Provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership to minimize risks and support decision-making.
2. Keep the organization updated on legal developments and their implications on operations.

Company Secretary Responsibilities:

1. Governance and Compliance:
2. Conduct board meetings, draft minutes, and manage resolutions and statutory filings.
3. Ensure compliance with the Companies Act and maintain statutory registers and records.

Regulatory Engagement:

1. Act as the primary liaison with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), SEBI, and other statutory bodies.
2. Ensure timely filing of returns and adherence to regulatory mandates.

Corporate Governance:

1. Establish and enforce governance frameworks to align with best practices.
2. Ensure compliance with shareholder agreements and other corporate policies.

Leadership and Execution:

1. Lead a team of legal and CS professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
2. Drive high-priority initiatives and ensure timely execution of all responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Requirements:
• LLB (Bachelor of Laws) – Mandatory.
• Company Secretary (CS) – Must be a qualified CS with membership in the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

Experience:

• 15 years of relevant experience in legal and CS roles, with a preference for candidates from the retail, FMCG, or multi-location industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing contracts, litigation, and statutory compliance.

Core Skills:

• Deep understanding of retail business legalities, including lease agreements and customer-facing regulations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex legal challenges with a solution-driven approach.

Key Attributes:

• High attention to detail with a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to dive deep into operational issues.
• Resilience under pressure and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel and attend court proceedings as required.

Compensation: Competitive and aligned with industry standards.