General Counsel

DURA Automotive Systems is the largest independent designer and manufacturer of Driver Control Systems and a leading supplier of structure and trim products for the global automotive industry. The Company’s mission is to create innovative, high quality products and solutions that help its customers attain their unique goals in the marketplace. The company operates in 17 countries, in 31 facilities.

DURA’s line of products include shifter systems, cable systems, seating control systems, engineered assemblies, structural and safety systems, modular glass systems and exterior trim systems. DURA’s operating divisions supply Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Brilliance, Chery, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mahindra, NedCar, NUMMI, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault-Nissan, SAIC, Ssangyong, Suzuki, Tata, Toyota, Volkswagen and many leading automotive suppliers.

Position Summary

In a continuing effort to focus on the development of best in class solutions for our customers and end-users worldwide, Dura Automotive seeks to fill a role, at its company headquarters, for a General Counsel.  The General Counsel will report to the CEO of the company and will work individually and/or collaboratively with the other members of the legal and executive leadership team on a variety of complex business and legal issues pertaining to the Firm and any affiliates, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities set forth below.

This position is primarily responsible for establishing, drafting and implementing policies, practices, and procedures related to all legal matters, to include, but not limited to: general corporate governance, client contract negotiation, securities, employment law, and compliance matters pertaining to the business of the Firm and any affiliates and relationships.  Recommends, interprets, and implements corporate, division, or organizationally specific policies, practices, and procedures. Must have working knowledge and competence in the following areas:

Complex commercial transactions
Corporate governance and fiduciary duties
UCC
Corporate formation (LLC agreements, charters, bylaws, resolutions, etc.)
Real estate agreements (sales, purchases, leases, etc.)
Relevant employment and labor laws
Relevant securities laws (including Broker-Dealer laws and regulations)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports: Supervises up to ten employees and teams within a global matrix structure.

Key relationships: Chief Operating Officer, EVP Chief Financial Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, EVP Human Resources, Divisional Presidents

Major Responsibilities

Maintains detailed knowledge and insight about the automotive market, commercial and legal trends, and an in depth understanding of partnership and customer business relationships.
Leads the legal function and has responsibility for an operating budget and the business legal strategy and framework.
Develops, introduces and maintains strategically benchmarked processes to ensure market competitiveness, compliance with the law, and effective governance practices across the enterprise.
Reports frequently on the status of legal affairs to the CEO and others within the management team.
Ensures appropriate compliance and oversight procedures are in place.
Interviews, selects, and hires qualified individuals for key legal positions.
Develop a strong working relationship with the primary Dura owners, Patriarch Partners, LLC.
 

Additional Responsibilities

May represent the business in the community, at association meetings, selected events, and in appointed committees.
Performs other tasks as assigned.