Assistant General Counsel & Director, Risk Management

NOTE: We are not working with external agencies for this role.

About the Job:

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!

As a Assistant General Counsel & Director, Risk Management, You Will: 

Legal Advice and Counsel

The larger portion of this role involves acting as the lead attorney for the Company in several areas of law, and providing advice and counsel to business partners including the executive team with very limited oversight. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

Risk Management, Facilities, and Real Estate (Business Management)

A smaller, but critically important, piece of this role is leading the business function including Risk Management, Facilities, and the Company’s Real Estate portfolio. In this role, your “business function” responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• This aspect of the position requires leading a business function, in addition to acting as a legal advisor. To that end, the person in this position should also have some familiarity with budgeting, accruals, and be able to engage in budget planning and adherence.
• In addition, this business function has its own yearly strategic plan and mid/long-term plan, and the person in this position should have some familiarity with business development, creating and directing employees to execute KPIs, and have a vision for the current and future state of this function.

Leadership/People Development

We are looking for someone who is passionate about people – who can foster growth and development of direct reports, inspiring them to success in their own roles.

• 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.

Location of Position and Schedule

This position is based in the Franklin, TN headquarters of MMNA. While MMNA has a very strong work from home culture, this position is considered to be part of MMNA’s top leadership; we do require Directors and above to be in office at least 3 days per week, largely for internal collaboration. MMNA generally works on an 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule, although the hours for this role will vary and are likely to include occasional evening meetings with counterparts at our parent company (MMC) in Tokyo. Travel is likely to be infrequent; international travel is not expected but may be possible once every 2-3 years for a global meeting.

Ready to Join The Team? You Should Have:

• 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. 

Extra Horsepower (Profile Differentiators): 

• 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. 

Personal Note from the CLO about the Legal Department and General Requirements:

MMNA’s Legal Department has a unique culture within a unique Company. The department is positioned quite differently than at many other companies – we are not viewed as a “cost center” but rather as an equal business unit, with a vision and a strategic plan designed to move the Company towards its long-term business plan, Momentum 2030. What that means, though, is that we do not have the ability to sit back and be academics (much); instead, all members of the Legal Department must be aligned with the concept of adding value while mitigating risk, accelerating MMNA’s business practices, and prioritizing business objectives while creating a culture of compliance. This is especially true for this particular role, as you will also lead a small business ops team! Equally, if not more, important is that we are a group of people who are good human beings who truly care about the success of the Company and our clients, as well as each other.

The Legal Department is small, and each legal professional wears a “lot of hats.” If you are the successful candidate, you will be able to work primarily in your area(s) of expertise, but you will also learn and work on emerging areas of the law specifically applicable to the automotive industry. No matter how experienced you are, you won’t be bored. If you want to learn, grow, work with supportive people, and see the fruits of your effort manifested in your client’s success, MMNA may be the right company for you!

Pay Transparency: 

The base salary for this position ranges between $180,000 to $200,000. The base salary will be based on a number of factors including the role offered, the individual's job-related knowledge, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all eligible employees which also includes 401k with company match, Mitsubishi Lease Program, and a full range of medical, financial, and other perks and benefits.

Perks and Benefits:

• Family First: Enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Be a Proud Mitsubishi Ambassador: Take advantage of our Discounted Employee Lease Car program, covering insurance, maintenance, and registration fees, with no down payment or credit check required.
• Drive with Perks: This position comes with an assigned vehicle, contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. 
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) with Company match and annual contributions based on years of service.
• Fuel Your Growth: Access professional development opportunities, including training, tuition reimbursement, and employee resource groups.
• Take Time for Yourself: Enjoy up to 30 days of paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and other leave options.
• Hybrid Working Environment: 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.
• Thrive in an Open Environment: Experience our collaborative workspace where ideas flow freely.

The MMC Way:

Our values form the foundation of everything we do. At Mitsubishi Motors, we are committed to a set of core principles that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions. Our values reflect who we are as a company, how we collaborate, and the impact we aspire to make. These values are what we call the MMC Way:

• Think of Our Customers, Strengthen Trust
• Enrich Society
• Welcome All Facts, Share Difficult News First
• Conduct and Challenge Yourself Professionally
• Respect All, Work as a Broader Team

Diversity and How to Apply:

At MMNA, we embrace the strength that diverse perspectives and experiences bring to our team. Our application process is designed to champion inclusion and equity. We're on the lookout for the ideal fit for each role, valuing skills and experiences over traditional education or specific company backgrounds. Feel encouraged to apply, even if your profile doesn't precisely match the job description. We invite you to delve into a few thought-provoking questions in our application, offering you the opportunity to showcase your unique talents and insights right from the start.

Once you've submitted your application, expect to hear from us within 7 business days. We're committed to keeping you informed about the status of your application, ensuring transparency and open communication throughout the process. We understand that perfection is a journey, and if you ever have questions about your application or the process itself, don't hesitate to reach out to your recruiter. 

Mitsubishi Motors is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, excited about collaborating with talented individuals of all identities. We do not discriminate based on identity, aligning with our commitment to fostering a diverse workplace. Our code of conduct serves as a guiding light for the company we aspire to be, celebrating our differences as the driving force behind a product that serves a global user base. 

We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and is prepared to provide reasonable accommodations. If you require such accommodations for the job application or interview process, please email mmna-talent_acquisition@na.mitsubishi-motors.com.

We hope you will join us on this journey where your dedication aligns with our values, creating an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and meaningful contributions.

Click here to learn more about what it's like at MMNA!