Legal Operations Director - Americas
Hungry for challenges? Join a group with innovation at its heart and contribute to the automotive revolution!
OPmobility is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions for a unique, safer and more sustainable mobility experience. Innovation-driven since its creation, the Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, clean energy systems and electrification solutions for all mobility companies. With a €11.4 billion economic revenue in 2023, a global network of 152 plants and 40 R&D centers, OPmobility relies on its 40,300 employees to meet the challenges of transforming mobility.
Our ambition? Provide automakers with cutting-edge equipment and solutions to develop tomorrow’s clean and connected car.
OPmobility is a global leader in mobility innovation, operating in the Americas region across USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. We are seeking a dynamic Legal Director for the Americas to join our high-performing legal team and partner with business leaders to drive operational excellence and compliance.
Your Impact
As the Legal Director for the Americas, you will:
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Americas Chairperson and Business Group Presidents, overseeing all legal matters and ensuring compliance across the Americas and global markets.
- Directly supervise legal activities in the USA and Canada, and manage the Head of Legal Operations for Mexico and Latin America.
- Provide strategic legal guidance to senior management, manage corporate governance in close partnership with Global Corporate Affairs, and mitigate risks in a fast-paced, international automotive environment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Legal Affairs, M&A, Compliance, HR, Finance, Tax, R&D, Purchasing, Sales) to align legal strategies with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise executive teams on commercial and operational legal matters.
- Oversee all legal aspects of contracts (supplier, joint ventures, customer, IP).
- Ensure compliance with US, Canadian, and international regulations.
- Manage litigation and dispute resolution, working with external counsel as needed.
- Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory changes impacting the automotive sector.
- Mitigate legal risks related to product liability and ESG compliance.
- Manage cross-border legal issues and international transactions.
- Mentor and develop the Head of Legal Operations for Mexico and Latin America.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and transparency.
What Sets You Apart
- Business Partner Mindset: You find creative, business-oriented solutions within compliance by being agile, proactive, and eager to make an impact.
- Relationship Builder: You connect regularly with colleagues at all levels—from plant buyers to Executive Committee leadership—providing practical advice and building trust.
- Global Team Player: You thrive in a multicultural, international environment, balancing regional autonomy with global legal team collaboration.
- Visible & Approachable: You’re present and accessible, reestablishing strong relationships with operations and being a go-to resource for legal guidance.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Law (commercial, contract, or international law), ideally with an LL.M or management diploma.
- Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (automotive/industrial sector preferred).
- In-depth knowledge of US commercial and corporate law; experience with Canadian and Latin American legal systems a plus.
- Proven ability to manage complex legal issues and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing external counsel, legal budgets, and people.
- Fluent English required; Spanish a strong plus; Portuguese, French or German a bonus.
- Michigan Bar admission is a plus, but not required.
Why Join Us?
- Strategic Influence: Shape legal strategy for a major region in a global company.
- Career Growth: Potential for international transfers or broader business group leadership.
- Hybrid Flexibility: Work close to leadership in Troy, MI, with flexibility and travel.
Ready to make your mark as a trusted legal business partner in a global automotive leader?
Apply now and help drive OPmobility’s success across the Americas!
As a responsible company, OPmobility pays particular attention to diversity and equality within its teams and the Group commits to treat all job applications equally.
Troy-Michigan, US