Commercial Legal Affairs Manager

Rimac Automobili

Zagreb, Croatia

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced senior legal counsel to join and lead our contracting legal team. In this key role, you will play a pivotal part in supporting our business and purchasing functions, leading contract negotiations with our customers but also our suppliers and service providers, and ensuring legal compliance within the automotive and automotive supply industry standards and requirements. You need to have strong legal acumen, negotiation skills and deep understanding of automotive/automotive supply industry specifics.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage commercial legal affairs team;
Provide legal guidance and support to business and purchasing teams on a wide range of issues and contracts, including contracts with customers (OEMs), suppliers and service providers, and risk assessment;
Draft and review of customer contracts, supply agreements and services agreements, lead and manage contract negotiations with customers, suppliers and service providers ensuring agreements align with the company’s business goals and industry requirements while minimizing legal risks;
Conduct legal due diligence and other required checks on new customers, suppliers and service providers;
Ensure that all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards and requirements specific to the automotive supply sector;
Collaborate closely with business and purchasing teams to maintain strong relationship with customers and suppliers while protecting the company’s interests;
Stay updated on industry-specific regulations, legal trends, and provide proactive guidance to mitigate risks;
Manage contract disputes and conflicts to reach favourable resolutions without resorting to litigation;
Develop and implement contractual documentation required by business and purchasing teams;
Provide training and guidance to business and purchasing teams on contract-related legal matters and compliance requirements;
Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks;
Provide other legal support as it may be requested by business or purchasing teams.

Qualifications

Law degree;
Profound knowledge of English language (knowledge of German language in addition to English is an advantage);
Minimum 10 years of experience in contract management in the automotive/automotive supply industry (either in-house experience or external experience as legal advisor supporting/advising OEMs/suppliers to OEMs on development and supply agreements and other industry standard agreements);
Strong background in contact lifecycle management, including contract drafting, review and negation with a proven track record of successful contract outcomes;
In-depth knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements;
Familiarity with automotive supply chain dynamics and industry-specific challenges;
Understanding of intellectual property issues, product liability, and quality standards relevant to the automotive components;
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills;
Strong business acumen and the ability to provide strategic legal support;
Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic and cross-functional team;
High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the company's legal and ethical principles.