Job Description:

This role is leading the legal function in India and the Indian Subcontinent for the Mars Wrigley (Treating and Snacking) segment and being member of the India Leadership Team. The role supports the India business at times of deep and complex challenges and requires the incumbent to be a functional expert and a business partner with legal skills, mainly in the areas of general Commercial Law, incl. Contracts, Marketing and Advertising, Employment, Food & Regulatory Law, Compliance. Comfortable in dealing with ambiguity and making difficult decisions quickly and decisively based on sound judgment, the incumbent will be expected to provide business friendly legal advice and support to enable local business to realize its growth agenda while effectively anticipating and managing legal risks and protecting the Company, its brands and reputation in harmony with the Five Principles. The incumbent will be a natural influencer, skilled at navigating complex challenges and creating collaborative relationships across functions and segments, and with other key stakeholders within Mars’ Legal Department (General Legal, Security, Compliance, Sustainability, Privacy, Intellectual Property, and Marketing Properties.)

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualification

Law Degree of a well-regarded law school and authorized/qualified to practice law in India (Law degree from an accredited law school/University)

Knowledge/Experience

At least 10 years of experience required. Ideally experience in a law firm as well as several years in the legal department of an international company with international exposure and transaction focused, ideally in the CPG sector. Strong knowledge of Indian law in relation to the following areas: commercial, supply chain, distribution & sales, marketing, advertising, promotions, data privacy, sustainability, food, corporate (including competition law, employment, and litigation) and ability to internally handle legal matters.  Strong understanding of the Indian regulatory environment particularly in the areas relevant to Mars’ businessesManagement of outside counsel.

What will be your key responsibilities?Be an active and engaged member of the MW India leadership team to provide proactive & strategic legal advice & counsel to support the business’ growth & agendaManage all day-to-day legal work for MW India (incl. the factories) consistent with the priorities identified with the GC and consistent with the MW strategies and plans and in particularreviews and approves communications, advertising, promotions and product claimsdrafts, reviews, negotiates structure marketing related arrangements (such as advertising, claims, packaging, promotions etc.)drafts, reviews, negotiates structure commercial contracts (such as sales, advertising, distribution, consulting, procurement etc.)drafts, reviews, negotiates structure supply chain related contracts (such as warehousing, transportation, customs brokers, co-packing, co-manufacturing, services, raw materials etc.)assists with the drafting, review, updating and implementation of company policies as neededadvises on employment law related matters. Ensures that all HR related policies are compliant with prevailing laws & regulationsEnsure all relevant regulatory compliance including but not limited to those related to the Food industryManage all dispute resolution & litigation and coordinate input of internal customers and other functions for the litigation and related issuesAnticipate and prioritize the key legal issues for MW India in partnership with the business unitDevelop and implement a globally-aligned legal strategy for MW in India, which will enable MW to seize growth opportunities while effectively managing legal risks and protecting the CompanyUnderstand the key business issues that drive the legal issues, and consistently make commercial legal decisions that support achievement of the business objectivesEffectively assess risks and opportunities to mitigate risks and influence business decisions in light of these assessmentsSupport the business’ efforts in relation to legal and regulatory compliance and Five PrinciplesCollaborate with the Mars Chief Compliance Officer in managing existing compliance program and partner with the business in its continued implementation (including legal compliance training)Partner with the business to ensure proper corporate governance and appropriate effective and efficient processes (e.g. corporate formalities, records management, etc.)Supervise the work of outside counsel & existing local advisers to ensure a rapid and cost-effective resolution of key issuesCollaborate and partner with the regional and local cross-segment legal counterparts to ensure a consistent and aligned “One Mars” approach on key matters and issues, including on outside counsel optimizationIn partnership with Corporate Affairs and SRA, powerfully influence the development of the policy, regulatory and legal environment in areas where MW’s interests are likely to be affectedManage the legal budget for MW in India in consultation with the unitPartner with the Marketing Properties team to drive brand optimization and trademark enforcement as well as with the IP team to ensure deriving the maximum benefit from R&D and innovation

What can you expect from Mars?Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.