Head of Legal & Litigation Management (Industrial Area)

The resource will serve as the primary point of contact for all litigations, legal support to the operations team and related legal matters of the Company in India. The role entails coordination with the regional business team, external counsels, internal stakeholders, law enforcement and statutory authorities to effectively mitigate risk and management of legal proceedings, litigations and enforcement. About the Role The resource will serve as the primary point of contact for all litigations, legal support to the operations team and related legal matters of the Company in India. Responsibilities Litigation Management - Act as the National lead for all litigation matters involving the Company – Civil, Criminal, Labour, Arbitration, Property Disputes - Liaise with external lawyers and attorneys to provide necessary documentation, facts, and inputs for ongoing cases, complaints, and proceedings - Assist in the preparation and vetting of legal drafts, petitions, and complaints, including coordination with law enforcement agencies for filing of complaint and assist investigation as required - Follow up with external counsel for regular case updates and maintain a comprehensive case tracker - Represent the company before court proceedings and adduce evidence - Attend meetings, hearings, and conferences as and when required - Provide strategic advice to minimize potential legal exposures - Demonstrate hands-on experience in recovery matters and proactive management of dispute Operations Support - Handle day today escalation and support required by Operations Team across India - Prepare responses on visits done by authorities by Food Safety and Standards Act, Pollution Control Law, Labour Laws and laws related to retail operations & factories - Ensure support and advisory to regional Business units, regulatory, compliance and Corporate Affairs team to manage operational challenges - Conduct legal research and remain updated on the latest developments in applicable laws, regulations, and judicial pronouncements - Develop, implement, and maintain procedures and controls ensuring business continuity - Prepare and submit dashboards and presentations for senior management. - Provide periodic training to business teams on dawn raids, handling crisis management and circulate periodic updates and advisories to relevant business functions - Investigate and resolve compliance violations and recommend corrective actions - Collaborate with internal departments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements - Implement internal policies and ensure adherence Stakeholder Management - Partner with regional leadership to support business growth - Provide training to internal teams on legal awareness. - Act as a bridge between corporate legal and regional/store teams - Liaise with regional law firms/Advocates Other Requirements - Legal Technology Strategy: Implementing, maintaining, and training the team on the technology stack - Financial Management: Controlling the legal department budget, managing outside counsel guidelines, and tracking their performance - Data Analytics: Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to analyse trends and demonstrate legal value to the business - Strategic Planning: Supporting the General Counsel with long-term planning, compliance monitoring, and risk management across the country - Digital Proficiency: Ability to use tech to analyse data, prepare reports, and create high‑quality business presentations - Communication: Excellent command over written and verbal communication with robust drafting skills in English/Hindi/any other additional language is an added advantage - Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and accuracy - Willingness to travel as required by business exigencies on short notice Key Accountabilities - Effective management and monitoring of all types of litigations - Timely advise and action show causes/notices & cases related to litigation - Regular dissemination of legal updates and risk advisories - Contribution to internal knowledge building and compliance culture Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university; Master’s will be added advantage - 14-18 years of relevant experience in litigation management, compliance, and regulatory affairs, real estate preferably within a corporate or FMCG/food industry background - Proficiency in handling Consumer, Civil, Criminal, labour laws, Food Safety, Pollution control laws, Real Estate and laws related to food industry Required Skills - Excellent command over written and verbal communication - Strong drafting skills in English/Hindi/any other additional language is added advantage - Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and accuracy Preferred Skills - Experience in FMCG/food industry background - Proficiency in handling various laws related to food industry