Senior Counsel, Dealer Network

About the Role

Kia America, Inc. is seeking a Senior Counsel, Dealer Network to provide strategic legal guidance to support Kia's U.S. dealer network. The role focuses on dealer franchise law, policy development, and the operation of dealer networks to drive compliant, high-performing networks across sales, service, distribution, branding, and marketing. You will work closely with in-house counsel and business leaders, and manage outside counsel as needed. What You'll Do

• Work closely with executives and managers to achieve objectives related to the dealer network, providing advice on dealer franchise law and developing policies for network planning, dealer performance, establishment, transfers, facility requirements, sales incentives, marketing, service and warranty operations, distribution, and customer service.

• Assist with drafting policy documents, letters, dealer agreements, and dealership performance reviews.

• Manage litigation, including risk assessment, case strategy, settlement, budgeting, discovery, and other case management activities (e.g., add points, protests, terminations, bankruptcies, audits).

• Proactively address other legal matters and collaborate with colleagues across the company.

• Advise and train managers in multiple departments on dealer operations and legal issues. What We're Looking For

• Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred.

• Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred; admitted to California State Bar.

• 7-10 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred.

• Experience in the automotive industry is helpful; direct experience in dealer franchise law is helpful but not required; Kia may provide substantive business and legal training for the appropriate candidate.

• Both transactional and litigation background is helpful.

• Demonstrated skills in management, organization, and interpersonal communication; executive report writing; and cross-functional collaboration. Nice to Have

• Automotive industry experience and direct dealer franchise law experience (helpful but not required). Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: $177,401 - $257,195

• Competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• 401(k) plan with 100% match up to 6% of salary deferral

• Paid time off; company lease and purchase programs; company-wide holiday shutdowns; paid volunteer hours

• Premium lifestyle amenities at the corporate campus in Irvine, California