Director, Employment, Labor & Product Litigation
Fountain Valley, CA, US, 92708
At Hyundai, we’ve rethought our business and created cars that combine performance, quality, design and innovation into a complete package.
It’s time you rethink what you expect from an employer.
At Hyundai, we understand you're not just building a career – you're building a life. We believe in our people and realize that our success is a direct result of our commitment in offering you great opportunities for your career. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for a chance to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.
WORK MODEL
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead and manage strategy, handling, and supervision of investigation, settlement, arbitration, and resolution of employment and labor matters at HMA and GMA.
- In consultation with Human Resources, maintain and periodically review and revise as appropriate employment policies, programs, and materials for HMA and GMA including, but not limited to, the employee handbook and employee code of conduct.
- Responsible for strategy, handling and supervision of investigation, settlement, arbitration, trial and resolution of HMA product liability and consumer lawsuits. Determine whether to settle each matter or take it to trial. Supervise staff in the cost-effective management and resolution of claims and lawsuits.
- Responsible for coordination of defense strategy in various employment and product litigation matters, including expert retention, theories, development, and reports.
- Responsible for supervising and providing counseling and training to National and Regional Consumer Affairs staff (and dealers) on consumer and product related issues.
- Work with the Customer Satisfaction department and upper management in analyzing product liability and consumer issues and assist in providing recommendations to minimize potential class action, attorney general, and other risks
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Lead employment law strategy, investigations, litigation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, and dispute resolution for HMA and GMA.
- Develop, review, and update employment policies, employee handbooks, codes of conduct, and compliance programs in partnership with Human Resources.
- Conduct workplace investigations and support resolution of employee complaints, including matters submitted through the Hyundai C.A.R.E. line.
- Deliver anti-harassment, discrimination, and labor law training while providing ongoing legal guidance to HR teams.
- Manage early case assessment and resolution of product liability, consumer disputes, and employment-related litigation.
- Analyze case facts, legal issues, jurisdictional matters, expert reports, service records, and settlement exposure to determine effective litigation strategies.
- Oversee outside counsel, experts, and vendors; manage legal budgets, performance expectations, and case outcomes.
- Evaluate dealership defense and indemnification requests and provide recommendations on legal exposure.
- Coordinate discovery responses, settlement authority requests, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and related legal proceedings.
- Partner with engineering, Consumer Affairs, Customer Satisfaction, and executive leadership to address product defect claims, consumer complaints, and class action risks.
- Provide labor and employment legal support to North American affiliates and business units.
- Participate in talent acquisition efforts, including interviewing and evaluating prospective hires.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
- Must be a high school graduate.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Juris Doctorate degree from a top tier ABA approved law school.
- Fifteen or more years of relevant legal experience.
- Six or more years of directly related experience in litigation and at least five years of experience in labor and employment litigation and counseling.
- Large law firm experience preferred.
- Supervisory experience is required.
- High level of writing and negotiating skills.
- Knowledge of broad spectrum of business and legal issues and specific knowledge of auto distributor related issues.
- Ability to interact effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds and skill levels.
- Ability to research in a thorough and effective manner.
- Excellent time management and work ethic.
- Capacity to handle multiple matters simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and willingness to undertake substantial and diverse job responsibilities.
- Member California State Bar Association.
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
- Compensation Range: $221,100 - $306,900 annual base salary
- Monthly Hyundai/Genesis vehicle lease allowance (including insurance and maintenance)
- Holiday Pay - the company shuts down with pay between Christmas and New Years.
- Vacation and sick time off
- Healthcare insurance (medical, dental vision)
- 401(K) company match
- Additional 401(K) Employer Enhanced Contribution program - eligible after 1 year of employment, in addition to the regular employer matching contribution
- Basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability
- Mental health, wellbeing, and employee assistance program
- Health advocate (coordinate care and services, assistance with claim and billing issues, understanding Hyundai benefits)
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Express your interest by submitting an application. Once your application is received, our recruiting team will review your application to see if you meet the basic and preferred qualifications listed on the job description. For more information on our hiring process please visit our How We Hire page.
OTHER DETAILS
- Physical requirements: Normal office duties.
Our Company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state and local laws. The information requested on this form is sought in good faith and will not be used to discriminate against the applicant based on race, religion or creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, marital status, sex or gender (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, or related circumstances), gender identity, gender expression, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, military and veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.
Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
