Interim Regional Lead Counsel, Americas

Major, Lindsey & Africa’s Interim Legal Talent group is seeking an Interim Regional Lead Counsel, Americas for the next 3-4 months, with conversion to permanent potential. Overview : We are seeking an Interim Regional Lead Counsel, Americas, responsible for legal compliance, risk mitigation, and governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional legal landscape, while handling all commercial, corporate, compliance, employment, and regulatory legal matters Company: Leading global company within the automotive manufacturing industry Experience: 5-8 years of post-bar experience in ethics & compliance, internal investigations, regulatory law, ESG compliance, or related legal roles within a global organization Location: Remote or Hybrid in OH or KY Responsibilities Include: The Regional Lead Counsel, Americas serves as a legal advisor for operations throughout the $2.5B North America region. This role ensures legal compliance, risk mitigation, and governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional legal landscape. The Lead Counsel advises regional leadership on commercial, corporate, compliance, employment, and regulatory legal matters, and oversees legal activities within the region. This role is a key member of the regional leadership team and acts as a trusted advisor to business leaders, while also managing legal team members and external counsel throughout The Americas. This role will report to the Chief Legal Officer and will work with the internal Business Development team while communicating externally to existing and potential clients. The key focus areas for this role are: Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and redlining Commercial Agreements, Procurement contracts, Supplier contracts, Vendor contracts Full responsibilities include: Provide Legal Counsel Across North America: Advise executive and regional leadership on legal risks, regulatory obligations, and compliance standards affecting operations Oversee Regulatory and Ethics Compliance: Lead regional compliance efforts related to anti-bribery, antitrust, trade regulations, and data protection (including GDPR). Ensure the organization adheres to both internal governance policies and external legal frameworks. Draft and Negotiate Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate national and international contracts, including agency, distribution, procurement, services, employment, and logistics agreements to support business continuity and mitigate risk. Manage Data Privacy and Serve as Regional DPO: Act as the main point of contact for compliance across the region, overseeing the company’s data processing activities, coordinating with supervisory authorities, and ensuring adherence to evolving privacy laws. Support Corporate Governance and Entity Management: Maintain legal entity records and secretarial documentation for entities established or existing in the region. Prepare resolutions and ensure intercompany agreements are current, compliant, and aligned with operational changes. Lead Litigation, Risk Management, and Dispute Resolution: Oversee litigation strategy and manage civil or administrative claims in the region. Supervise external counsel and ensure cost-effective, high-quality legal representation. Advise on Employment Law and Labor Relations: Counsel HR and management on employee-related legal matters, including reorganizations, employment contracts, consultations, and dispute resolution under varying national laws. Conduct Due Diligence and Manage 3rd Party Risk: Oversee third-party risk management and due diligence related to vendors, partners, and acquisitions. Ensure that third-party relationships align with company policies and compliance obligations. Support Strategic Transactions: Provide legal advice and documentation support for strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures Monitor and Report on Legal Developments: Continuously track relevant legal developments across the region and proactively advise business and legal stakeholders on regulatory impacts. Collaborate Cross-Functionally and Globally: Partner with internal teams across Finance, HR, Operations, Commercial, and Sourcing, as well as with global legal, tax, treasury, and communications colleagues. Lead and Mentor Legal Professionals: Directly manage and develop legal team members in the region. Supervise external counsel, allocate legal resources, and build a high-performing legal support model. Qualifications Include: A Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited university, active and in good standing to practice law within the United States Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, with significant time spent in a regional or international role Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills Deep expertise in commercial, corporate, labor, regulatory, compliance, data privacy, and anti-bribery Significant experience previously supporting an internal business unit function Experience leading or managing legal professionals and overseeing external counsel Information regarding benefits can be found on MLA’s Website on the Consultant Resources Page: https://www.mlaglobal.com/en/consultant-resources All interested and qualified candidates should apply directly with Major, Lindsey & Africa for review and consideration. Major, Lindsey & Africa does not discriminate against applications on the basis of age, sex, race or any other protected characteristics pursuant to applicable state or federal laws. Bullhorn Job ID: 254005