Senior Legal Counsel

At FordDirect, our emphasis on diversity is much more than words. We encourage you to be yourself. We open our minds and doors to all walks of life, respecting and celebrating the uniqueness within each of us. We value the voice and contributions of all team members.

THE DIVERSITY OF OUR TEAM DRIVES US, INSPIRES US, AND MAKES US PROUD TO CALL FORDDIRECT HOME.

FordDirect is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please email FDHR@forddirect.com.

Job Summary

The Senior Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel in the areas of commercial negotiations and contracting, technology transactions, digital marketing and advertising, privacy and data security, general employment matters, compliance, and legal and regulatory compliance. The Senior Counsel will also be responsible for reviewing and drafting contracts with customers, suppliers, and contractors and to help lead the company’s data privacy and cybersecurity practices. The Senior Counsel will work hand in hand with internal clients to support transactions and negotiation efforts and provide guidance to all functions within the organization.

The Senior Counsel will serve as a strategic business partner to internal teams as well as a hands-on attorney in contractual and other areas. Additionally, the Senior Counsel will support legal, compliance and privacy strategies and tactics that are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the company.

The ideal candidate will have strong collaboration skills with a desire to work on a high-functioning, cohesive team; a team willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.

This position is a hybrid role which requires the employee to work in the office at least three days a week.

Essential Functions

1. Independently manage assigned company-wide legal matters including review, structuring, contract drafting, negotiations, risk assessments for complex commercial and technology transactions in a timely fashion in a fast-paced environment.
2. Independently manage privacy compliance and data-related matters, including for a cross-functional team, in a complex and evolving landscape.
3. Independently support compliance functions, including employment matters.
4. Provide practical and sound legal advice and counsel to senior management and the organization in the subject matters above.
5. Develop operational efficiencies and innovative strategies to streamline legal, compliance, and privacy processes.
6. Help manage resolution of legal issues that arise, including pre-litigation disputes and inquiries.
7. Serve as a leader and mentor to colleagues regarding legal, compliance, and related issues and business understanding.
8. Manage outside counsel including selection and invoice approval, as needed.
9. Stay current on legal issues, conduct forward-looking analyses of new and existing laws and regulations applicable to the Company and its customers, communicate potential implications to a variety of stakeholders and develop solutions to mitigate associated risks and ensure compliance.
10. Work closely with team members supporting assigned legal matters and provide direction and/or expertise as needed.

Qualifications At FordDirect, we believe in diversity as a strength. You are encouraged to apply even if your experience or background doesn't precisely match the job description. Candidates who do not meet all listed qualifications may be considered based on the combination of relevant work experience and depth of expertise in job-related skills.

Experience

• Legal experience (7 years).
• Analyzing, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial transactions.
• Law firm experience (3 years) and in-house experience preferred.
• Data privacy, cyber security, and technology transactions experience preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to create and deliver presentations on complex topics to employees and board-level leadership.
• Strategic planner with sound technical skills, analytical ability, and strong operational focus.
• Practical, proactive, and business-minded attorney.
• Proactively problem-solve and multitask while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
• Follow-through mindset to uphold a ‘close the loop’ culture.
• A positive approach to serving customers and providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, high ethics, and project a professional image.
• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• The drive to identify and seize opportunities for continuous improvement as business needs change.
• Excellent organization, flexibility and time management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and business communication skills (written, verbal, listening).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD from an ABA-accredited law school

Member, Bar of the State of Michigan, or other state

IAPP CIPP certification preferred but not required

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