Legal Counsel

Passive Safety Systems (ZF Lifetec) is carving out from ZF’s current portfolio to become an independent company. This will allow the Division to further grow and expand its market position in safety restraint technologies by involving external investors. Our footprint already includes ~45,000 employees in 20 countries in 44 locations and 2022 sales exceeded €4.5 billion. Establishing a solid resource foundation for independence is key to future success in becoming the #1 market leader. Our mission is to help protect people on the road with innovative state-of-the-art inflatable restraints, seat belts, and steering wheel systems technology.

Now is your opportunity to shape the future of passive safety technologies together with us!

Role Objective:

The Legal Counsel position is responsible for providing strong support to the senior legal counsel and supporting the business directly on complex daily matters. This hybrid working position is in Washington Township, Michigan (USA) and reports directly to the Senior Legal Counsel Regional Lead.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supervise contracts with customers from negotiation to execution including coordinating with various stakeholders.
• Manage customer contract databases.
• Draft and revise a variety of contracts with customers.
• Ensure the organization's internal contract documents are accurate and well-maintained.
• Provide advice and guidance to the different teams relating to contract generation and maintenance with customers.
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes and devise plans to implement these changes within customer contract management.
• Responsible for corporate secretary tasks related to the business in North America, including organizing and documenting board meetings, maintaining corporate records, drafting meeting agendas, record meeting minutes.

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree with license to practice law in the State of Michigan required.

Experience and Skill Set:

• Proven experience of minimum of 5 years as a Legal Counsel in business/automotive environment required.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of commercial law and procedures required.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Sound judgement and ability to analyze situations and information.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Business and solution-oriented mindset.
• Energetic, responsive team player who is keen to take initiative.
• Proactive, organized, and accurate with attention to detail.
• Cost and time-conscious (deadlines).
• Safety conscious and flexible.
• Be able to work in a highly dynamic organization and to work under pressure.
• English fluency required. Outstanding communication skills are required.
• Travel: 0%-10% No regular travel expected but could be necessary domestically/internationally at times.