Job Description
Forge Truck Centers is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as the chief legal advisor for a growing heavy-duty truck dealership operating across the United States and Canada. This role will lead all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters while partnering closely with executive leadership to support business growth and manage risk in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Executive Team, providing strategic counsel aligned with business objectives and overall company growth.
- Deliver comprehensive legal guidance across all aspects of the company’s operations, proactively identifying risks and developing practical, business-oriented solutions.
- Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and management of a broad range of contracts, including commercial agreements, vendor and customer contracts, partnerships, real estate, construction, financing, and other key business arrangements.
- Oversee all litigation, disputes, and internal investigations, managing outside counsel and ensuring effective resolution aligned with company interests.
- Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations, including transportation, environmental, employment, and dealership requirements, as well as cross-border operational considerations.
- Advise on cross-border business activities, including import/export regulations, warranties, and jurisdictional differences impacting operations in the U.S. and Canada.
- Partner closely with Human Resources to support employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and internal policies.
- Provide legal support for global mobility programs, including employment-based immigration, visa sponsorship, I-9 and E-Verify compliance, and expatriate assignments.
- Support corporate governance activities, including coordinating corporate meetings, maintaining records, and managing required filings and reporting obligations.
- Advise on and support strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate initiatives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Service, Finance, and other departments to support day-to-day operations, enhance efficiency, and drive business performance.
- Other projects as assigned
Qualifications:
JD and active U.S. bar license
10+ years of legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
Strong background in commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and risk management
Experience with or knowledge of Canadian legal frameworks and cross-border operations
Industry experience in trucking, automotive, transportation, or equipment dealerships strongly preferred
Deep knowledge of federal and state employment law and labor relations
Familiarity with regulated labor-intensive industries
Familiarity with risk management and the mechanics of Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance.
Familiarity with contract drafting and negotiation
Ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable advice for non-legal business partners.
Preferred:
Direct experience supporting U.S. and Canada dealership operations
Familiarity with fleet, financing, and OEM relationships
Compensation/Benefits:
- $200,000 Annual Salary
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance
- Principal Vision/Dental/Life Insurance
- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- 401(K) w/company match
