In-House Counsel

GRAMMER specializes in developing and manufacturing components and systems for car interiors, as well as driver and passenger seats for off-road vehicles, trucks, buses, and trains. As a global partner to the vehicle manufacturing industry, we are represented around the world by our two divisions, Automotive and Commercial Vehicles. Our employees are constantly engaged in developing and producing innovative, flexible solutions to meet challenges in today’s competitive global market. GRAMMER operates on four continents with more than 50 production, distribution, and logistics sites in 20 countries. GRAMMER is a leading North American full-service automotive supplier of highly engineered thermoplastic components and assemblies for interiors and air and fluid management systems.

Culture

Here at GRAMMER, we foster a culture that embraces our Grammer CODE: Collaborate in an inclusive environment, Openness in communication and ideas, Drive for results with energy, and empower yourself and others by taking ownership of decisions and actions.

About the role

GRAMMER is looking for an In-House Counsel to join our location in Plymouth, MI. You must enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and will have an opportunity to provide strategic legal guidance across the Americas organization.

Responsibilities

• Litigation & Claims Management
  • Overall management and coordination of all ongoing litigation matters in the United States and Mexico.
  • Assessment of litigation risks, settlement opportunities, and reserve requirements.
  • Regular reporting on litigation matters to management and corporate headquarters.
  • Selection, management, and direction of outside counsel on all required services.
• Insurance
  • Coordination with insurers and insurance brokers regarding coverage issues and claims handling.
  • Oversight of insurance-related aspects of ongoing disputes.
  • Annual renewal management with all internal stakeholders aligning with regional and global brokers.
  • Coordination with third party administrator (TPA) on applicable claims.
• Compliance, Governance, Corporate
  • Preparation and maintenance of board and corporate secretary documentation for legal entities in the U.S. and Americas Region.
  • Support with annual reports and corporate law obligations at federal and state level.
  • Monitoring of statutory filing deadlines and reporting requirements across U.S. states.
  • Cooperation/coordination with external counsels in other jurisdictions in Americas region.
  • Point of contact (POC) for compliance cases.
• Employment & HR-Related Legal Matters
  • Legal advice to the HR department on employment and labor law matters.
  • Collaboration with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) in connection with claims and workers’ compensation matters.
  • Management and supervision of employment-related litigation.
  • Lead on immigration filings and support with internal stakeholders on other HR-related legal issues.
• Commercial & Other Legal Matters
  • Legal support for real estate, purchasing, and sales-related matters.
  • Involvement in tax-related issues in cooperation with finance teams and external advisors.
  • Support of R&D and intellectual property matters in coordination with internal stakeholders.
  • Provision of general legal advice to the Americas organization in day-to-day business operations.

Requirements

• Knowledge and Skills
  • Strong knowledge of corporate, commercial, employment, and contract law
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment abilities
  • Ability to balance legal risk with practical business solutions
  • High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Experience working cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Operations, and Executive Leadership
  • Ability to manage outside counsel and third-party legal vendors effectively
  • Microsoft Office software experience
  • SAP experience preferred
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results driven
  • Strong judgment and decision-making skills in complex legal matters
• Experience
  • 5–8 years of related legal experience, preferably within an in-house or corporate legal environment
  • Experience supporting manufacturing, automotive, or multi-site business operations preferred
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
  • Experience managing litigation, employment matters, insurance claims, and commercial agreements
  • Experience working with external counsel across multiple jurisdictions preferred
  • Knowledge of U.S. employment law, corporate governance, and compliance practices
  • Experience supporting cross-border or international legal matters preferred
  • Ability to travel as needed