Head of Legal and Company Secretary, India

What Youll Be Doing (position summary):

This position functions as regional general counsel for all CIBC India business activities, principally supporting CIBC India as a global delivery centre servicing CIBC legal entities and business units globally.The overall purpose of the role is to provide leadership and advice regarding legal matters, with the objective of helping business leaders achieve business goals in a manner consistent with sound risk management. The Head of Legal, India negotiates agreements, manages litigation, and participates as the Legal representative on applicable regional governance committees.

At CIBC India we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. Details on your work arrangement (including on-site and remote work) will be discussed at the time of your interview.

How Youll Succeed (responsibilities):

Value Added Partner:

• Provide legal advice in relation to business plans and help to ensure proper implementation of those plans, consistent with legal and any applicable regulatory requirements.
• Act as Whole-Time Company Secretary for CIBC India.
• Active member of CIBC India regional senior management team and any related committees.
• Fulfill commitments embodied in the Legal Department mandate in relation to CIBC India.

Transaction and Litigation Support:

• Provide legal advice and related governance to support CIBC Indias business activities, including with respect to CIBC Indias employment law and intellectual property matters and regulatory changes.
• Negotiate CIBC's agreements India, either directly or through external counsel acting under your oversight.
• Manage CIBC's litigation in India and keep global Legal team and regional senior management apprised of significant developments and deadlines. Often such litigation involves complex cross border Issues requiring coordination and management among internal business and infrastructure groups, law firms, witnesses and courts in different jurisdictions and time zones.

Internal and External Business Development/Client Service:

• Monitor legal changes in the relevant jurisdictions to assess the impact on relevant lines of business, and identify new business opportunities and/or regulatory risks.

Risk Management:

• Identify legal risks, and significant incidents of non-compliance, and escalate these to global Legal team and senior management of India (as relevant), ensuring such risks are properly understood. Where possible, propose appropriate risk mitigation.
• Conduct quarterly Board Meetings in India (in person or virtually from India) and any ad hoc or additional Board meetings as necessary.
• Prepare and maintain statutory registers, minutes, resolutions, notices, and agendas.
• Support information requests relating to Legals accountabilities from internal and external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with up to 325 event-based activities and ~66 regular compliance requirements under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Advise on legal matters pertaining to corporate governance, corporate actions, drafting, and regulatory filings.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and ensure effective communication and resolution of statutory matters.
• Governance and Reporting:
  • Prepare and present Legal reporting to senior management and Board in India and Legal global management.
  • Partner with Legals Transformation & Operational Resilience team (as the 1B function for Legal) to complete attestation and certification of controls and deficiencies.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry trends relating to CIBC Indias business activities.
  • Pursue relevant training, certifications, and development opportunities.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Collaborate with teams in India and globally to support corporate governance and legal requirements.
• Participate in or lead special projects related to legal, corporate governance, and process improvement.
• Reports to Head of CIBC India.
• (Dotted line to Head of Legal, Asia Pacific (Capital Markets US, UK, Asia).)

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As an employee of CIBC, the incumbent must comply with all applicable CIBC and Line of Business policies, standards, guidelines, and controls.

AUTHORITIES/DECISION RIGHTS:

• As a key contributor to the business unit, this job has the authority to recommend changes to business processes in order to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

• Ambiguity due to rapidly changing regulatory environment.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of evolving regulations.
• Leadership in corporate governance and legal issues.
• Direct Operating Expenses: not applicable.

Experience: 15+ years:

Who You Are (skills/qualifications):

• Qualified Company Secretary in India (ICSI Membership required).
• University degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field (MBA, M.Com, LLB, B.Com), with a degree in law and admission to practice as an Advocate preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in secretarial, legal, and corporate governance.
• Extensive knowledge of Companies Act, 2013, corporate governance, and statutory compliance.
• Strong understanding of Indian legal and regulatory requirements applicable to a global capability centre, in particular relating to employment law and intellectual property.
• Previous experience in a global delivery centre or a large international organization preferred.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, presentational).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated independence, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Integrity, Self-motivation, Empathy, Interpersonal Skills, Decision Making, Adaptability, Perseverance.

About CIBC:

CIBC is a leading North American bank, with a history of more than 150 years of living our purpose - to help make your ambition a reality. Client relationships are at the centre of our strategy, and our growth is enabled by a highly engaged and connected global team. From digital banking to community impact, were proud to drive progress for our clients and our communities.

Recognized for our culture, award-winning innovation and community investment, CIBC continues to evolve by putting people and progress at the centre of everything we do.

About CIBC India:

CIBC India is a technology and operations hub in Hyderabad, where youll be part of our highly engaged and global team, and play a central role in supporting our growth. Whether youre driving innovation in digital banking or streamlining client onboarding, youll be part of a culture recognized for excellence and investment in people. At CIBC India, people and progress are at the centre of what we do: youll develop skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and see your ideas realized in a culture that values progress and belonging.

We provide cutting-edge resources, ongoing learning, and a supportive environment where people come first. If youre ready to create meaningful change and build your future, CIBC India is where your ambition meets opportunity.

What CIBC India Offers:

At CIBC India, your goals are a priority. We start with your strengths and ambitions and strive to create opportunities to tap into your potential. We aspire to give you a career that goes well beyond your compensation.

• We work to recognize you in meaningful, personalized ways including competitive fixed pay, performance-based incentive programs, a family-first benefits program, employer contributions for your retirement, attractive time off and leave offerings, wellbeing support, and MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program
• Our spaces and technological toolkit will make it simple to bring together great minds to create innovative solutions that make a difference for our clients worldwide
• We cultivate a culture where you can express your ambition through initiatives like Purpose Day, a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development

Privacy:

By proceeding with the creation of a profile and submitting an application in response to this job posting, you acknowledge and agree that your personal data will be collected, used, retained and disclosed by CIBC India and its affiliates, as described in the Candidate Privacy Statement.