General Counsel

GENERAL COUNSEL Job Title: General Counsel Department: Legal Reports To: Chief Executive Officer Employment Type: Full-Time FLSA Classification: Exempt Location: Onsite – INOX SOLAR POSITION SUMMARY The General Counsel serves as INOX SOLAR's chief legal advisor and oversees the company’s legal affairs, contractual risks, employment relations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role provides strategic legal guidance to executive leadership, drafts and negotiates commercial agreements, advises Human Resources and management on employment matters, and develops practical strategies to protect the company’s legal and business interests. The General Counsel works cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Operations, Sales, Procurement, and executive leadership. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Contract Creation, Review, and Negotiation Draft, review, revise, and negotiate commercial agreements, including customer contracts, supplier and vendor agreements, service agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), partnership agreements, and other business contracts. Create and maintain standardized contract templates, legal clauses, playbooks, and approval procedures. Identify and mitigate risks involving liability, indemnification, warranties, payment terms, confidentiality, intellectual property, and termination provisions. Advise business teams and executive leadership on contractual obligations, negotiation strategies, and legal exposure. Oversee the contract lifecycle, including drafting, review, approvals, execution, renewals, amendments, and record retention. Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure contracts align with company policies, operational needs, and business objectives. Lead or support negotiations for significant commercial transactions, strategic partnerships, and other material business arrangements. 2. Employment Relations and Labor and Employment Law Provide legal guidance to Human Resources and management on employee relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, and employment disputes. Advise on compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour requirements, discrimination and harassment laws, leave requirements, workplace accommodations, and retaliation protections. Draft and review employment-related documents, including employment agreements, offer letters, confidentiality agreements, separation agreements, and restrictive covenant agreements where legally permissible. Partner with HR to investigate complaints and allegations involving misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace concerns. Advise management on performance issues, disciplinary procedures, involuntary separations, reductions in force, and related documentation. Support compliance with employee classification, overtime, wage payment, and other applicable labor requirements. Manage or advise on employment-related claims, administrative charges, agency investigations, and litigation. Develop policies and provide training for HR personnel, supervisors, and managers on employment law, documentation, confidentiality, and risk management. 3. Corporate Governance and Legal Compliance Advise executive leadership on corporate governance, business operations, legal obligations, and risk management. Review company policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance programs for legal alignment. Oversee corporate records, legal documentation, and governance-related filings as applicable. Monitor legal and regulatory changes affecting solar manufacturing, supply chain activities, and commercial operations. Identify potential legal risks and recommend practical measures to reduce the company’s exposure. 4. Litigation, Claims, and Dispute Resolution Manage litigation, arbitration, mediation, claims, and other legal disputes involving the company. Select and coordinate outside counsel; oversee case strategy, discovery, settlement discussions, and legal spend. Evaluate disputes involving contracts, employment, vendors, customers, property, and business operations. Advise leadership on potential liabilities, settlement options, and the business impact of legal disputes. 5. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management Support compliance with laws and regulations applicable to manufacturing, workplace safety, environmental obligations, and business operations. Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, inspections, and compliance concerns with relevant departments. Review business practices for legal, regulatory, contractual, and operational risks. Advise on insurance claims, indemnification obligations, liability exposure, and corrective action plans. 6. Immigration and Employment Authorization Support Provide legal oversight or coordinate with qualified immigration counsel on employment-based immigration matters. Advise HR and management on visa sponsorship, work authorization, immigration compliance, and related employer obligations. Review immigration-related agreements and procedures and support compliance with applicable employment eligibility verification requirements. 7. Business Transactions and Strategic Legal Support Provide legal support for strategic partnerships, procurement arrangements, major commercial initiatives, and business transactions. Review transaction documents, letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and other business agreements. Conduct or coordinate legal due diligence for significant transactions. Advise leadership on legal implications of business decisions, operational changes, and expansion initiatives. 8. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality Help protect company intellectual property, confidential business information, trade secrets, and proprietary technology. Review intellectual property and confidentiality provisions in customer, vendor, employee, and technology agreements. Advise on information protection and coordinate with outside counsel on intellectual property registration, enforcement, and disputes as needed. QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Active license and good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to provide legal services in accordance with applicable licensing rules. Typically 8–10 years of relevant legal experience, including corporate law, commercial contracts, employment law, and business transactions. Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial contracts. Strong knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment laws and employee relations matters. Experience managing litigation, outside counsel, regulatory compliance, and legal risk. Experience in manufacturing, industrial, energy, solar, or multinational business environments preferred. Experience with employment-based immigration matters and international business operations preferred. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Excellent contract drafting, review, and negotiation skills. Strong understanding of corporate governance, commercial law, and employment law. Ability to identify legal risks and provide practical, business-focused solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines while maintaining confidentiality. Strong leadership, judgment, collaboration, and decision-making skills. Ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. High ethical standards and commitment to professional responsibility. KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS Contracts are reviewed, negotiated, and completed accurately within appropriate timelines. Contractual, employment, and regulatory risks are identified and addressed proactively. HR and management receive timely, practical guidance on employee relations and employment compliance. Disputes and claims are managed effectively, with appropriate oversight of outside counsel and legal expenses. Legal documentation, corporate records, and contract management processes are maintained appropriately. Executive leadership receives clear, actionable legal advice that supports company objectives. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular collaboration with executive leadership and multiple business departments. Occasional travel, participation in legal proceedings, meetings with outside counsel, and support for operations across different locations may be required. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INOX SOLAR is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr