General Counsel

Macgregor Black are partnering with a global market leading consumer electronics brand, on the search for a General Counsel. This is a permanent role based in New Jersey.

The General Counsel (GC) will be a key member of the executive leadership team, directly advising the CEO and senior leadership on legal matters. The GC will oversee the company's legal affairs, including governance, compliance, intellectual property, litigation, contracts, employment law, import law and tariffs, and risk management. Collaboration with various departments is essential to ensure legal alignment with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise the executive team on legal matters and business decisions.
• Lead the legal function, ensuring efficient and effective legal support across the business.
• Manage external legal counsel engaged for specific complex matters.
• Oversee corporate governance and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop policies to ensure compliance with federal, state and international laws.
• Ensure adherence to relevant product safety regulations and respond to regulatory inquiries. Collaborate with quality teams to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks and copyrights.
• Oversee intellectual property-related agreements and protection strategies.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers, distributors and third parties.
• Ensure contracts protect the company's interests and adhere to internal policies.
• Oversee all litigation matters and disputes involving the company, coordinating with external counsel when necessary.
• Resolve legal disputes through negotiation, settlement or litigation.
• Advise the executive team on potential litigation risks and assist in strategic decision-making.
• Advise on employment issues, workplace policies and labour law compliance.
• Support HR with legal matters related to hiring, termination and employee disputes.
• Assist in due diligence and negotiations and ensure the company's interests are protected during strategic business transactions.
• Ensure the company's interests are protected in ongoing business operations, with a focus on day-to-day legal matters. For one-off transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures or partnerships, external law firms may be engaged as required.
• Implement strategies to minimise legal risks and safeguard company assets.
• Review and manage the company's insurance policies, including liability coverage.
• Provide counsel on international compliance, cross-border transactions and trade matters.
• Coordinate with external legal teams in foreign jurisdictions.

What We're Looking For:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active licence to practise law.
• 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior legal role, preferably within consumer goods, manufacturing or technology.
• Expertise in corporate governance, commercial contracts, intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience managing legal teams and collaborating with executive leadership.
• Strong judgement, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex legal issues while balancing business risks.
• Experience with international laws and global operations.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities for a small legal team.
• Expertise in product liability, regulatory compliance and environmental regulations within consumer goods.
• Experience with import compliance and tariff policies.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management within consumer products, appliances or manufacturing environments.
• Background in private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions.
• Multilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Mandarin would be advantageous.

For more information contact Lewis Millican.