SENIOR COUNSEL, REGULATORY - JACKSONVILLE,FL
Purpose of Position
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Lawyer specializing in regulatory and trade compliance to join our legal team at IEM. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks specific to the commercial electric manufacturing industry, including safety, trade, privacy and environmental. The ideal candidate will have the dedication and energy to build a compliance program from the ground up and will play an active role in creating a culture of compliance inside the company. This role requires someone who is not afraid of taking on challenges in new and developing areas of law, someone who presents just as well to the internal team as to the board of directors or to our customers, and someone with a hunger to learn and grow with the team. This position reports to the General Counsel.
Essential Functions:
Regulatory Compliance:
- Advise on compliance with manufacturing regulations, including safety standards (e.g., OSHA, IEC), environmental regulations (e.g., EPA), and product certification requirements (e.g., UL, CE marking).
- Develop and implement compliance programs and policies to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements across all operational jurisdictions, including quality control and manufacturing processes.
Trade Compliance:
- Develop and implement programs and policies to ensure adherence to all relevant trade regulations and procedures.
- Assist with accurate tariff classification and customs valuation of goods, crucial for determining duties and taxes.
- Create and manage country of origin certificates and customs compliance manual.
- Prepare for and assist with customs audits, ensuring compliance and resolving any issues.
Manufacturing Regulations:
- Stay informed about and interpret relevant manufacturing laws and regulations, including those related to labor practices, workplace safety, and environmental impact.
- Ensure that manufacturing practices comply with local, national, and international regulations, including those governing hazardous materials and waste management.
- Offer guidance on developing environmental regulations including sustainability initiatives and directives, assist in producing reports for customers and third parties demonstrating the Company’s current and future metrics.
Privacy Law Expertise:
- Provide guidance on data protection laws, including GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant privacy regulations, ensuring that the company’s data handling practices comply with legal standards.
- Conduct privacy impact assessments and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with data processing activities.
Legal Research and Analysis:
- Monitor and analyze changes in international, national, and local laws and regulations that may impact the company’s operations, providing timely updates to senior management.
- Conduct legal research and prepare comprehensive legal opinions, memoranda, and reports on regulatory issues pertinent to electrical manufacturing, privacy law, patent law, and manufacturing compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent the company in discussions and negotiations with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other stakeholders worldwide.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, compliance, quality assurance, and business units, to address regulatory challenges and promote a culture of compliance.
- Develop and conduct training sessions and workshops to educate employees on regulatory compliance, data protection, and best practices within the electrical manufacturing industry.
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the bar in Florida, California, New York or Georgia.
- Minimum of five years of experience in regulatory law, with a focus on the electrical manufacturing industry or related sectors.
- Strong knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including:
- Manufacturing regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ISO standards)
- Safety standards (e.g., IEC, UL)
- Environmental regulations (e.g., hazardous materials management)
- Data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
- International trade laws (USMCA, BABA)
- Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, global environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across different cultures.
- Experience in an in-house legal role within the manufacturing sector is a plus.
- Familiarity with international regulatory standards and compliance issues, especially in markets where the company operates.