Job overview: The China lead counsel – manages Valvoline Global Operation's China legal affairs in the country with accountability to drive the legal function and to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. This role will provide key support to the China business and the China Leadership Team including but not limited to, establishing close collaborative relationships and support to stakeholders (internal / external), overseeing commercial and corporate legal matters, contract management and maintenance. To become a key member of the China leadership team on a wide variety of matters in supporting Valvoline's growth in the region.
Responsibilities: 1.Acts as the key liaison supporting the China business and providing sound and timely legal opinions and advice in areas including but not limited to, contracts, antitrust, procurement, intellectual property, product liability, general litigation, employment matters, compliance with laws including anti-bribery and corruption, and Valvoline Global policies. 2. Maintains sound relationships with the China business across all Valvoline functions, including Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, Technology, Product Development, and Human Resources. Engages regularly with relevant stakeholders on all legal matters. Provides effective legal support for the business's key major accounts and opportunities within the Chinese market. 3.Drafts, negotiates and finalizes a broad range of commercial, procurement contracts and other agreements including, but not limited to, distributor, supply agreements, marketing, sponsorship and promotion agreements, as well as raw materials purchase agreements, product sale, employment, lease and logistics services agreements. Collaborating with members across the APAC region to develop standardized processes and templates aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies. 4. Assists with legal tasks and projects as directed by the line manager, as well as addressing various general legal matters pertaining to the China business. Oversees secretarial functions and other corporate governance documentation for all legal entities in China, collaborating closely with key stakeholders. 5.Monitors (and advises business and the China Leadership Team) of legislative and other legal developments that are relevant to the business; as well as advising the Legal Department members accordingly. Collaborate with the team to deliver legal training sessions to the local team. 6. Estimates risks in advance, predicts issues where possible; proactively looks for solutions and better practices to mitigate risk; oversees complex legal matters with multiple stakeholders. Managing litigation, risk mitigation and control of all claims, including civil and administrative. Providing advice to stakeholders on litigation matters. 7. Collaborates with the global center of excellence lawyers in Privacy, Compliance, Intellectual Property, and Employment to implement global initiatives while providing insights from a local legal perspective. 8. Manages a team of two, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively in alignment with work priorities and business strategies. Motivate team members to reach their full potential and achieve higher productivity together. 9. Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary for different markets within the APAC region, as determined by Valvoline at its sole discretion from time to time.
Requirements: 1. Bachelor’s degree or above, China bar/legal profession qualification 2.Minimum of 8 years of experience, preferred work experience in an international environment (automotive aftermarket background is preferred) 3. Excellent command over all Legal and Compliance aspects and matters and able to formulate strategies to deal with such matters; Well acquainted with applicable laws, guidelines, regulations; Excellent communication skills and fluency in both Chinese and English language, both written and oral, drafting skills; Timely decision making, offering practical business sound and customer-oriented solutions. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with team members, and to work effectively in a professional team environment; Confidentiality, reliability, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to handle confidential, stressful situations and complex issues; Highly organized and detail-oriented, ability to take direction and work independently; Case/project management skills and demonstrates solid written, interpersonal, analytical, and application skills; Works as a contributory team member building positive relationships to efficiently execute legal requirements, and timely, accurate, legal services; Strong organizational and planning skills in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines; capable to work on different projects at the same time; Hands on, proactive and problem-solving mentality, be business oriented.