Vice President of Legal Compliance and Risk M

Job Summary

The Vice President of Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of legal affairs, compliance and risk management. The position will be instrumental in developing and enforcing corporate policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risks, and providing strategic guidance to safeguard the Company’s legal standing and operational integrity. This position will support the expanding AITX Europe group and our existing US and Canadian groups by handling legal and compliance matters, conducting research, and ensuring adherence to relevant regulations across our operations.

Job Duties

Legal Compliance

• Regulatory Compliance: Through periodic internal audits working in conjunction with the Regulatory Compliance Team, ensure the Company complies with all relevant industry laws, standards, and regulations, including but not limited to the Department of Labor (DOL), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
• Environmental Laws Compliance: Work internally with the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Team to ensure compliance with environmental regulations that affect the repair of rail cars, including hazardous materials handling, waste disposal, and emissions control.
• Industry Standards: Work internally with the Regulatory Compliance Team to ensure adherence to applicable safety standards and certifications such as AAR (Association of American Railroads) and any relevant ASTM or NACE standards.

Risk Management

• Risk Identification & Assessment: Lead the development of risk management strategies to identify and assess legal, operational, and environmental risks
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: Working with EHS, Quality, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering and Repair Services Departments to investigate any incidents, accidents, or near-misses, conducting thorough analysis to identify the root cause and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
• Claims Management: Manage and oversee the Company's approach to handling claims, including insurance claims related to damage, product liability, accidents, and workers’ compensation.

Corporate Governance and Legal Affairs

• Contract Management: Supervise a Contracts Management Team to address all legal aspects of contracts with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders, ensuring terms comply with Company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Litigation Management: Oversee any litigation, arbitration, or dispute resolution processes, including managing relationships with external legal counsels, handling settlements, and ensuring the Company's interests are protected.
• Corporate Policies & Procedures: Develop, update, and enforce internal policies related to legal and compliance matters, ensuring that all employees are aware of and adhere to these policies.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Compliance

• Health and Safety Regulations: Working with the EHS Department, ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations, particularly those related to rail and tank car repair, including training, risk assessments, and preventive measures to minimize workplace accidents.
• Environmental Management: Working with the EHS Department, develop and implement programs that ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, hazardous waste management, and compliance with environmental regulations, including spill prevention and remediation plans.

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

• Code of Ethics and Conduct: Oversee the development, implementation, and enforcement of an ethical code of conduct that aligns with Company values and industry best practices.
• Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other similar legislation in international markets.
• Training and Awareness Programs: Implement regular compliance and ethics training programs for employees at all levels, focusing on industry regulations, legal obligations, and ethical conduct

Crisis Management

• Crisis Response Planning: Working with EHS, Quality, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering and Repair Services Teams, develop and implement crisis management plans, especially for incidents such as rail accidents, environmental spills, or safety breaches.
• Business Continuity: Establish business continuity plans to minimize operational disruption during unexpected events (e.g., supply chain disruptions, litigation, or regulatory changes).

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Government & Regulatory Relations: Manage relationships with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, ensuring the Company is well-positioned to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for favorable industry standards.
• Internal Reporting & Board Communication: Regularly report to the Company's executive team and board of directors on compliance, risk management issues, and legal matters affecting the business.

Insurance and Liability Management

• Insurance Program Oversight: Work closely with insurance brokers to ensure the Company has appropriate coverage, including liability, property, and workers’ compensation.
• Claims and Loss Prevention: Lead the Company’s efforts in preventing and managing potential claims or loss incidents, working proactively to reduce exposure.

Training and Development

• Employee Training: Develop and oversee ongoing training programs to ensure the workforce understands compliance requirements, safety protocols, and legal obligations.
• Legal Awareness: Educate employees on the legal ramifications of their actions, particularly in handling hazardous materials, maintaining safety, and conducting business ethically.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaboration: Work closely with the President, Executive Team and other senior leaders to align risk management and legal strategies with the Company's business goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement in legal, compliance, and risk management practices, leveraging new tools, technologies, and best practices.

Experience, Job Requirements and Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
• 10 years’ plus in a senior legal role with a focus on compliance and risk management, preferably in a complex and dynamic business environment across multiple departments and business units
• Transportation or Rail Fleet sector experience preferred but not required.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal and business considerations.

This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory, or environmental demands may be referenced to communicate the way this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities an equal employment opportunity, AITX will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship.