Legal - General Counsel

About VinFast
VinFast is Vietnam’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and has achieved its initial goal of being #1 in all competing segments of domestic car retail in less than 2 years. Now, in 2023 we embark on our next mission - global expansion with the launch of our all-Electric smart SUV model line-up starting in Canada, USA and Europe. VinFast is one of the largest auto manufacturers in South East Asia with world-class equipment and infrastructure, with a capacity of up to 500,000 cars per year . We have partnered with global leading automotive suppliers in manufacturing and engineering and enlisted the world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to design both the exterior and interiors of our entire model line. VinFast is proud to produce vehicles with superior craftsmanship, the highest safety standards, and intelligent infotainment that compete with leading Asian, European and American OEMs. VinFast also supports its owners with an exceptional, seamless customer experience in both sales and aftersales.
VinFast Auto Canada Inc. an OEM distribution company with a Direct-to-Consumer business model, has an ambitious growth strategy planning rapid retail and aftersales facility expansion in Canada over the next 12 months. Our management team is now looking for talented individuals from the automotive, retail consumer products, and technology industries to assist in this endeavor. Our top applicants will possess an entrepreneurial mindset, be a creative problem solver, have an incredible work ethic and thrive in a start-up environment.
VinFast and VinFast Auto Canada Inc. are subsidiaries of Vingroup, one of the largest private conglomerates in Asia with a market capitalization of C$20 billion. As a multi-sector corporation, Vingroup focuses on three main areas: Technology, Industrials, and Real Estate.
SCOPE OF JOB
The General Counsel serves as a legal partner to all VinFast Canada business units supporting the Back office and Front office functions. This is a highly impactful and visible role, for a confident, proactive and collaborative lawyer that is responsible for providing strategic legal advice to the Canadian team in coordination with internal and external subject matter experts. Additionally, the General Counsel must be able to provide advice and counsel on day-to-day matters on a wide range of corporate, transactional, and commercial matters that affect business operations, including review & drafting of sales & product initiatives, corporate secretary and minute book functions, litigation, complex contract negotiations, interpreting commercial contracts and partnering with related departments to create operational efficiencies. The General Counsel is also an integral part of the global VinFast legal Team.

• Manage legal and business requirements for showrooms dealer licenses, business licenses…
• Develops strong relationships with internal contacts, including, but not limited to, Security, Risk Management, Finance, Human Resources, Export, Trade Customs, Insurance, Marketing and Sales, IT, Showroom Development, data privacy and other appropriate departments to ensure a high service level and anticipate special needs.
• Experience with provincial and Federal regulatory bodies, including the Province of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.
• Act as trusted advisor on complex legal matters to business leaders, providing key strategic advice in the development and execution of existing and new vendor/partner relationships and business initiatives.
• Reviews, advises on, and negotiates a variety of commercial contracts, including contracts covering software licensing, professional services, and online terms and conditions.
• In partnership with internal stakeholders, develop and execute action plans in order to resolve issues presented in contract negotiations.
• Fosters open communication with management, and clearly communicate importance of team’s vision, objectives and priorities.
• Stays abreast of the various’ group’s specific regulations and compliance matters and assists ensuring that appropriate risk management strategies are in place.
• Champions and supports compliance and privacy program initiatives and continually evaluates its effectiveness, utilizing creative and innovative processes.
• Provides legal advice and counsel on a broad range of day-to-day operational legal topics, including commercial transactions, business operations, commercial leasing complex contract negotiations and general business matters.
• Reviews and advises on new products and product enhancements within the Sales, Service, Showroom and Product development groups.
• Provides leadership and direction to the legal team in the provision of a coordinated approach to supporting internal business functions.
• Efficiently prioritizes and coordinates with subject matter legal experts and leverage support from counterparts in the US and the Vingroup legal team to execute efficiently deliver legal solutions and services.
• Seeks and share information and use appropriate influence strategies to enhance and sustain employee engagement.
• Assists with the development and implementation of forms and procedures to streamline contract review.
• Be an agent and advocate for change. Lead and develop a culture of continuous improvement across the business.
• Responsible for identifying and helping to address difficult problems that may not be solved using existing practices and procedures; may have to respond and adapt to changing conditions or circumstances, requiring enterprise alignment and new approaches.
• Supports government relations and lobbying efforts on behalf of the company across multiple jurisdictions within the Federal and Provincial landscape and including regulatory provincial bodies in the spectrum of EV policy and delivery.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Understanding and experience with provincial and Federal automotive legislation an asset.
• An ability to influence, direct and build accountability through effective communication and fostering productive and supportive working relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Proven leadership capabilities in providing vision & direction to effectively drive the legal department to higher performance.
• 5+ years’ experience in progressive senior Leadership roles required, ideally inclusive of demonstrated experience with operational, matrix structure and people management experience are an asset.
• 15+ years of legal experience working on a wide range of legal matters. Previous in-house counsel experience preferred.
• Ability to partner with subject matter experts and other in-house VinFast counsel to provide a seamless experience to the Back office and Front office team in addressing and resolving legal issues.
• Ability to travel as necessary, 20% of the time.
• LL. B /J.D. degree, a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• Proven experience in providing legal counsel for automotive businesses in a regulated environment, including drafting and negotiation of various types of commercial agreements.
• Strong work ethic, business acumen and the ability to prioritize and follow through on numerous projects simultaneously.
• Experience in the automobile industry is a plus.
• A business partner, who works well in partnership with business teams and is receptive to opposing views.
• Proven record of accomplishment of serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams at a large company.
• A focus on client needs with a commitment to timing, quality and client service.

What We Offer

• Competitive and equitable salaries that recognize your experience and expertise.
• An RRSP contribution program to support our employees in planning and managing their financial well-being into the future.
• Wellness Spending Account to promote an active lifestyle and a healthier workforce.
• A flexible working culture enabling our employees to adjust their work hours and schedules, whenever possible, that accommodates and respects your personal commitments, balanced with business needs.
• A modern, professional environment where you’ll work with and learn from highly specialized and dedicated experts from all over the world.
• Generous group insurance benefit package to employees and their eligible dependents.

Join us on our adventure to reach new horizons with endless excitement: Because when everything feels possible, changing mobility for all becomes achievable!
At VinFast Canada, we are committed to creating and preserving an accessible, welcoming, supportive, fair, and inclusive environment. Accommodations are available to support prospective employees during the recruitment and hiring process. Should you require any accommodations, please advise us in advance so that we can work with you to find suitable accommodation.
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