A.O. Smith - Legal Counsel

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Location: Mumbai

Position Summary: We are seeking a qualified and motivated Legal Counsel with 4-6 years / 68 years of post-qualification experience to join our in-house legal team at A.O Smith India. This role will support operations of A.O. Smith across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The ideal candidate should have prior experience in a multinational corporate environment, demonstrate strong business acumen, and be capable of independently handling a wide range of legal matters with a high degree of ownership and accountability. Law firm experience is not mandatory but will be an added advantage.

Role & Responsibilities:

1.Contract Management and Commercial Advisory

- Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a variety of commercial agreements including vendor contracts, service and distribution agreements, NDAs, and IT and procurement contracts and contract management.

- Support cross-functional teams in interpreting and managing contractual rights and obligations.

2.Corporate and Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure compliance with Indian laws, including Companies Act, Contract Act, Labour Laws, Environmental Laws, Legal Metrology, and sector-specific regulations.

- Liaise with external counsel and regulatory bodies where required.

- Assist with corporate secretarial activities and ensure statutory and regulatory filings are up to date.

3.Dispute Resolution / Consumer Complaints & Litigation Management

- Manage pre-litigation strategy and coordinate with external counsels for dispute resolution, consumer complaints, litigation, or arbitration matters.

4.Stakeholder Management and Advisory

- Act as a legal business partner by advising internal stakeholders on a range of legal and compliance matters.

- Assist in delivering training sessions for business teams on policies, and best practices.

5.Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Partner with business teams including HR, Finance, Procurement, IT, and Operations to provide timely and effective legal support.

- Support business initiatives and advise on strategic projects and operational legal risks.

Qualification & Experience :

- Educational Qualifications: B.A. L.L.B. from a reputed university; LL.M. is desirable but not mandatory.

- Experience: 4-6 years / 68 years of post-qualification experience, preferably including experience in an MNC or a corporate legal department. Law firm background will be an added advantage.

Knowledge & Skills :

- High standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

- Strong legal drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Process-oriented and driven, with attention to detail and accountability.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.