General Counsel & Vice President

Main Purpose of the Role:

Serves as the principal advisor for legal, risk management, claims, and governmental / compliance issues in the Americas and Caribbean Regions.

Major areas of responsibility:

Responsible for strategic and tactical legal initiatives for ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services Co. LLC and related entities. Provides senior management with advice regarding corporate initiatives and their implementation, manages compliance functions, and oversees work of outside counsel. Serves as Corporate Secretary.  Supervises and manages adjustment of all claims made against the company and its agents, management of litigation and arbitration, and placement of insurance coverages within Region. Represents ZIM with respect to interactions with governmental officials on regulatory or compliance matters.  

Main Tasks:

• As Corporate Secretary: Execute and maintain official corporate filings, documents, reports and records according to statute and regulation.
• Provide in-house legal expertise and advice to senior management in support of business decision-making; 
• Review and monitor ZIM business environment, identifying legal, regulatory, and compliance risks, providing strategic and tactical advice with a view toward minimization of risk and exposure;
• Serve as primary point of contact for US governmental / regulatory agencies
• Serve as Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Compliance Officer (principal point of contact between FMC and ZIM for all regulatory and compliance issues).
• Supervise review and adjustment of all cargo, property, and personal injury claims within Region, take action to minimize both exposure and ultimate cost;
• Ensure timely reporting of claims, including exposure, retained risk, and other relevant factors, utilizing ZIM-designated electronic case management and reporting system;
• Appoint, instruct, and supervise outside counsel in litigation of claims;
• Administer and prosecute all 3rd Party Cargo and (significant) Equipment recovery actions
• Evaluate ZIM assets and exposure within Area, advising and providing support to senior management regarding placement and / or renewal of insurance coverages to mitigate risk;
• Coordinate and manage placement of coverages on a "value for money" basis for ZIM risks
• Draft and review contracts with external parties, provide written opinions regarding application to business plans; where required, participate in direct negotiations to protect ZIM interests
• Review and provide analysis / insight on ZIM Proforma and customer FMC agreements. 
• Assist in interpreting labor agreements between ZIM and collective bargaining units, in coordination with Vice President, Human Resources and local line leadership
• Develop, obtain authorization for, and implement department financial plan, budget, and controls; monitor implementation for compliance with plan
• Ensure achievement of functional objectives by setting departmental and individual objectives, managing implementation of policy, procedures and controls, providing direct leadership, supervision and performance evaluation of department staff;

• Academic education: Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school (or other common law – based equivalent)
• Minimum 15 years in maritime law & claims experience
• Minimum 15 years managerial experience within the transportation industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working familiarity with FMC a plus
• At-sea, terminal operations, or related transportation experience is a plus