Compliance Counsel - U.S. Operations ( Auburn Hills, MI) ( {{city}})

About CATL:

CATL invites you to continue our legend of green energy!

CATL is a World Fortune 300 Company, a global leader who provides premier EV battery and energy storage battery for the world. CATL's EV battery consumption volume has ranked No.1 in the world for eight consecutive years and global energy storage battery shipment has also ranked No.1 for four consecutive years.

Position Summary:

The Compliance Counsel will play a critical role in supporting the legal and regulatory integrity of the companys U.S. operations. The role will focus on monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments, supporting trade compliance and tariff management, and advising internal stakeholders on compliance risks and best practices. This attorney will serve as a resource to the legal and business teams and will be expected to collaborate cross-functionally with operations, logistics, supply chain, government affairs, and global compliance teams.

This is not a lobbying role; however, the successful candidate must be highly attuned to evolving legal landscapes, especially in the areas of import/export controls, trade regulations, industrial policy, environmental law, and energy regulation.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory and Legislative Monitoring

• Track, analyze, and summarize relevant federal and state legislative and regulatory developments affecting the battery manufacturing, EV, and energy storage sectors.
• Prepare regular updates and risk assessments for internal stakeholders, including the Head of Legal, U.S., and business unit leaders.
• Collaborate with government affairs and external advisors to ensure accurate monitoring and understanding of evolving U.S. regulatory priorities (e.g., DOE, EPA, DOT, FERC, CFIUS, USITC, CBP, USTR).

Trade Compliance and Tariff Management

• Advise on U.S. import/export laws and regulations, including compliance with:
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Customs regulations administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Tariff classification and country-of-origin rules
• Monitor and interpret trade remedies and actions such as Section 301 tariffs, AD/CVD duties, and Section 232 measures.
• Provide legal support for the preparation and maintenance of product classifications, license applications, voluntary disclosures, and corrective actions as needed.
• Support the companys participation in the U.S. regulatory processes related to tariffs, including exclusion requests and enforcement proceedings.

Compliance Program Development

• Assist in developing, implementing, and refining the companys U.S. compliance policies and procedures in alignment with global compliance standards and U.S. legal requirements.
• Conduct internal training and awareness programs on relevant compliance topics, such as anti-corruption, sanctions, supply chain transparency, and trade compliance.
• Partner with internal audit and other functions to conduct periodic compliance reviews and investigations.
• Monitor and advise on antitrust and competition law issues, including pricing practices, distribution arrangements, joint ventures, and interactions with competitors, to ensure compliance with U.S. federal and state antitrust laws (e.g., Sherman Act, Clayton Act, FTC Act). Provide training and guidance to business units to mitigate antitrust risks.

Cross-Functional Legal Support

• Serve as a legal advisor to cross-functional teams on compliance-related issues that intersect with commercial agreements, procurement, operations, logistics, and regulatory filings.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and advisors on complex trade or regulatory matters.
• Work with global colleagues to harmonize compliance practices and ensure consistent interpretation of global regulatory obligations.

Qualifications:

Education and Licensure

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (with ability to qualify under Michigan in-house counsel rules).

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience practicing law, including at least 3 years of in-house or law firm experience with a focus on compliance, trade law, or regulatory law.
• Prior experience advising manufacturing clients or clients in the energy or automotive sectors is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. trade laws, customs procedures, and industrial policy instruments (e.g., Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, Buy American Act).
• Experience advising clients on compliance with export control regulations and sanctions laws.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear guidance.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative, international legal team.
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mandarin Chinese language skills (written and/or spoken) are a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks related to sustainability disclosures, ESG regulations, or responsible sourcing standards.
• Demonstrated experience and successes supporting companies undergoing rapid growth or regulatory transformation.

Work Environment and Travel:

• This is a hybrid role based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with a minimum in-office presence of 3-4 days per week.
• Occasional domestic and international travel (less than 10%) may be required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a global legal team.