Role

The Legal Compliance Executive is instrumental in overseeing and upholding our commercial compliance responsibilities throughout the company. Responsibilities encompass managing distribution agreements, establishing criteria documentation, handling selective distribution contracts, and overseeing copyright infringement correspondence.

This role entails frequent interaction with internal sales teams spread across the EMEA region, collaborating closely on a daily basis with the BI Specialist. It also involves communication with external legal counsel, clients, businesses involved in copyright breaches, and the Commercial Director.

A proactive stance towards the company’s legal obligations is essential, along with a dedication to continual enhancement and ensuring that our business systems are not only compliant with legal mandates but also facilitate a straightforward audit process on an individual customer basis.

Key Responsibilities:-

• Collaborate with the Commercial Director and legal team to manage commercial contracts between Audio-Technica and customers. Ensure all contracts comply with legal standards, mitigate commercial risks, and protect the business interests of both Audio-Technica and the customer. 
• Conduct regular reviews (at least annually) of all existing contracts and documents for all customers to ensure that they remain current and compliant with Audio-Technica's requirements and local regulations. Highlight any necessary changes to the Commercial Director, flagging important updates. 
• Proactively review all contracts and build a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system to inform stakeholders of changes requiring agreement and signoff. Ensure any agreed changes are updated in the contract and that legislative changes are taken into account. 
• Review customer contracts, comparing them to our standard terms, and highlight differences to relevant stakeholders for review and completion. 
• Build an easily auditable filing system for commercial contracts and regulations, accessible to management and key stakeholders, to facilitate regulatory audits by bodies such as the CMA and the EU Commission. 
• Take ownership of managing brand copyright infringements by liaising between sales management, Audio-Technica Japan, and Legal Counsel. Ensure necessary actions are taken, track outcomes and responses, and update the business monthly. Handle customer contacts and issue legal Cease and Desist notices as required. 
• Collaborate with Directors and take responsibility for building and reviewing Selective Distribution contracts, ensuring annual reviews and alignment with our obligations. Communicate Selective Distribution terms to customers and take action as appropriate when contracts are abused or broken.
• Monitor changes in the law resulting from case law outcomes and updates from annual meetings publicly disclosed by regulators (such as the CMA and the EU Commission). Stay informed about evolving legal landscapes and proactively adapt strategies to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. 
• Develop concise and easily understandable presentations summarizing the essential points of legal documents, tailored for non-legal audiences such as sales representatives and sales and marketing management. 
• Conduct new staff inductions and annual refresher sessions by creating and delivering training materials and presentations outlining best practices and distinguishing between legal and illegal practices in anti-competitive behaviour. 
• Deliver tailored, on-demand presentations to key stakeholders, ensuring that they are kept updated of pertinent legal changes and their implications within the organization. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and education on continuous changes in commercial law, ensuring ongoing professional development and expertise. 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:- 

Essential

• BA in Law, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• In-depth knowledge of Competition Law. 
• Proven experience with Anti-Competitive case law in the UK and Europe. 
• Understanding of law enforcement agencies (such as the CMA and EU Commission). 
• Experience in working with legal contracts. 
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Excellent communicator with high-level interpersonal skills across all levels. 
• Outstanding organizational and analytical skills with keen attention to detail. 
• Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. 
• Ability to work under pressure to meet goals. 
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Audio-Technica products and customer operations. 

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of using CRM packages.

• Keen interest in the audio industry.

• Experience with Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems.

• Familiarity with intellectual property law, particularly regarding copyright issues.

• Previous experience in a multinational company or cross-border legal work.

• Strong presentation skills and experience creating training materials.

• Ability to adapt quickly to legal and regulatory changes.

• Fluency in additional languages relevant to Audio-Technica's markets.

• Experience in liaising with regulatory bodies and handling audits.

Job Details & Benefits

• Permanent

• Hybrid Home / Office working after induction 

• Full Time – 35 Hours per week

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits 

• Competitive Salary & Bonus

• Generous Discount on Products 

• 30 Days Holiday per year + Bank Holidays

• Generous Pension & Free Life Assurance 

• Free Healthcare Cash Plan Cover

• Sick Pay scheme 

If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV along with a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role to jwalton@audio-technica.co.uk by the closing date of 7th June 2024.