General Counsel - NSK North American Operations

NSK Americas; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NSK Americas is seeking a senior legal and compliance leader to head the function for North America. You will manage a small team in the US and Mexico and advise the executive team on governance, risk, and regulatory matters.

The role requires a JD, bar admission, and 6–8 years of related experience, preferably 8–10 years, with manufacturing or automotive industry exposure. The candidate will lead governance initiatives, oversee contractual and regulatory matters, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Requires JD and bar admission with a clean disciplinary record.
• Minimum 6–8 years of position-related experience; preferably 8–10 years.
• Experience in manufacturing or automotive industry or related sector preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee corporate governance and compliance programs and policies.
• Ensure external compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Interact with government agencies as needed.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and terms.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and manage legal spend.
• Maintain legal systems and records, including file management.
• Lead training and drive special projects.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Job description

Lead and direct the legal and compliance function for NSK Americas’ North American operations, including management of a small team of professionals in the US and Mexico. This position will engage with the executive team on resolution of legal issues, corporate compliance, governance and risk mitigation. NSK Americas is a subsidiary of NSK Limited (Japan). NSK serves both the automotive and industrial machinery markets and has manufacturing operations located within North America. The ideal candidate would have 7 to 10 years of experience, with expertise working in related industries.

Activities and Responsibilities

Performs and/or manages hands-on legal work in a range of areas including corporate compliance, commercial transactions, credit, insurance, financing, collections, patent, intellectual property and copyrights matters, litigation management, employment, labor relations and other regulatory matters.

• Oversee corporate governance and compliance (including development of policies and procedure)
• External compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Relations with government agencies
• Execution of commercial contracts, including interaction with business units in the preparation of contracts and advising on acceptable terms and conditions.
• Coordination with outside counsel
• Maintains legal systems and infrastructure, including file management, engagement of outside counsel, negotiating and management of outside attorney billing
• Training and special projects.

Qualifications:

This job requires a minimum of a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree and 6 to 8 years of position-related experience; preferably 8 to 10 years of position-related experience.

• Admitted to practice law with a clean disciplinary record
• Minimum of 5 years of experience preferably within the manufacturing or automotive industry or a related sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of legal principles, including those related to automotive manufacturing, product liability, contract law, and regulatory compliance
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders
• Detail-oriented and proactive in identifying and addressing potential legal issues
• Previous experience in an in-house legal role or with a Tier 1 automotive supplier preferred
• Strong written and oral communication with the ability to communicate efficiently with all levels of management, co-workers, and subordinates
• Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work
• Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers