Deputy General Manager - Legal

Job Summary

Job Summary

• Responsible for defining the legal framework necessary to ensure that HRPL remains compliant with all legal requirements.
• Interprets legal statutes applicable to the company's business, leads all transaction legal work, and both does and oversees legal site signings/documentation processes for new restaurant openings.
• Is a good people manager and demonstrates strong people development skills.
• Is strongly networked within the Company across different functions, as also with team members internally within the Legal function.

Financial Accountability (cost/revenue with exclusive authority)

Organizational Relationship & Reporting Structure

Reporting To

Head-Legal

Direct Reports

1

Job Responsibilities

Description of responsibility

Planning/Strategy 31Q

1. Develops and establishes frameworks/ processes to ensure legal compliance by all functions

2. Creates and reviews legal policies within the defined legal frameworks

3. Builds a robust talent pipeline within the function for effective succession

Key functional responsibilities

1. Provides day to day advice, expert legal counsel and support to the business from the legal and regulatory perspective (including matters relating to legislation, property, tax, risk) 1 A): Keeps a watch on emerging laws and prepares the relevant functions ahead of incoming laws, e.g. if a Labor Code is coming up, this position will inform People Resources in advance and suggests compliance ahead of time. Or if Information Technology law is changing, then this position will inform Information Technology department in advance and suggest compliance ahead of time
2. Monitors the process of legal documentation for new restaurant sites and ensure the team provides all necessary legal support for timely restaurant opening
3. Deploys all preventive means to limit the company's legal risk and exposure, from a transaction legal point of view
4. Reviews and validates site RE legal documentation and ensures compliance with legal provisions
5. Governs the contract management system including business contracts, service providers contracts, tie-up contracts and employment contracts such that these are in the best interest of the company
6. Provide support to the Legal team on issues related legal due-diligence and contracting
7. Assists the HOD in external stakeholder interactions, such as those involving industry associations
8. A:May participate in adversarial matters such as legal notices and litigation B:Acts as a functional lead for the function. Is the ambassador of the Legal function across cross-functional platforms. Blends functional expertise with diplomacy, tact and a positive outlook. Is wanted by other functions to be part of their teams and forums
9. Carrying out title due diligence of land and building and certifying the owner has a clear and marketable title.
10. Should have an excellent knowledge of and experience in real estate laws, contract law, stamp duty and registration law preferably on a pan-India basis but especially in Western and Southern India.
11. Drafting, vetting, negotiating and closing the deeds/agreements for acquisition of land and building.
12. Interaction with the landlords/landlord's advocate for negotiating and closing the deed/agreement.
13. Active participation with Development Team, internal clients, functional heads and briefing and advising them on the status of projects and the ways and means of accomplishing such projects.
14. Interaction with Statutory Regulators and the Government Agency and drafting reply to notices issued by such regulators and agency.
15. Develop system and process for effective management of legal affairs of the company including measures which will mitigate legal risks and its maintenance and implementation.
16. Ensure effective litigation management. Identify and engage suitable external Advocates, law firms and keep a check on the cost of litigation. Institute suits and appropriate legal proceedings as may be necessary under the circumstances and monitor progress and provide timely updates to the management.

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency

1. Maintains desired relationships with external legal experts for effective functioning
2. Ensures support to internal customers and stakeholders as per defined quality, cost and time metrics. Prioritizes and allocates activities to effectively manage the legal obligations

People Management

1. Performs the role of a people manager for the department : a)Manages and supports recruitment, set KRAs for direct reports, monitor overall department KRAs, conduct performance appraisal, sets IDPs b)Oversees team development and drives motivation levels of the team c)Monitors team welfare, facilitates complaint resolution to manage efficiency levels and drive timely delivery of all operational targets.

Interactions

Stakeholder Interactions (Within the Organization)

1. Development Team members
2. Other Function Heads as required, including Marketing, F&A, Corporate Affairs, People Resources, Supply Chain, QA and Product Development, Menu Management, Strategy, Corporate Communications, Operations
3. All members of the abovenamed other functions

Stakeholder Interactions (Outside the Organization)

1. External lawyers, industry chambers, chartered accountants & tax advisors

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification

LL.B or LL.M from reputed university preferably national law school

Specific Certification (if Any)

NA

Preferred Total Experience

Minimum 14 Years

Preferred Relevant Experience

Intensive legal experience with substantial exposure in real estate/hotel/restaurant/retail industry. In-house corporate experience and/or law firm experience with significant exposure in real estate laws.