Senior Counsel, Automotive Dealer Franchise and Regulatory Compliance

SUMMARY

Provides legal advice and strategy on a wide range of issues related to the development, distribution, sale, and service of Subaru products and services, with a primary focus on franchise issues, risk mitigation, product regulatory compliance, and government relations.

Partners with multiple business units to provide risk assessment, strategic advice, and business-oriented solutions for vehicles, fixed operations, and service plans sold by Subaru of America.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES


* FRANCHISE LAW COUNSELING: Advises retailer development team and regional / zone staff on state motor vehicle franchise laws, including those governing buy/sells, open points, relocations, terminations, non-renewal, warranty reimbursement, and market actions.

Works to find strategic solutions to retailer issues.


* FRANCHISE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Manages franchise disputes, including administrative protests before state motor vehicle boards, mediations, arbitrations, and related litigation.

Manages outside counsel and attends hearings as needed.


* RETAILER-RELATED, NON-FRANCHISE COUNSELING: Advises business teams on legal matters that support Subaru's retailer network outside of traditional franchise development, including warranty and operational audits, marketing and certified pre-owned program support, service contract and vehicle protection products, retailer-facing policies and programs, and risk management matters involving retailer operations.


* REGULATORY COMPLIANCE - PRODUCT: Provides legal guidance and cross-functional support to business teams to ensure compliance with product regulations, including those issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and various state regulatory agencies regarding recalls, emissions, battery management, recycled materials, and other regulations governing Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories.


* GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Partners with government relations colleagues, industry trade associations, and outside counsel regarding federal and state legislative and executive agency matters.

Participates in industry trade association committee meetings and reviews association's draft statements, legal briefs, and submissions to government entities.


* Assists with other legal matters as needed and provides cross-functional support to other attorneys and practice areas to help meet department and business needs.

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS


* Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as business judgment, agility, and problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and negotiating skills with demonstrated ability to achieve results.


* Ability to manage complex issues in a cross-cultural business environment.


* Team-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal skills, collaborative approach, and ability to provide cross-functional integration.


* Admission to Bar of at least one (1) state and In-Ho...