Overview
A growing organization is seeking a Corporate Development Counsel to support its Corporate Headquarters in Columbia, MO. This role involves managing the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategic investment activities from initial structuring through due diligence, negotiation, closing, and integration. The position requires close collaboration with senior leadership, business teams, and stakeholders across the company.
Responsibilities
- Structure, draft, and negotiate key transaction documents including term sheets, letters of intent, merger agreements, asset and stock purchase agreements, and investment/shareholder agreements.
- Lead and manage the end-to-end legal due diligence process, coordinating internal specialists (e.g., IP, privacy, employment, tax), managing virtual data rooms, identifying and quantifying key risks, and summarizing findings for business stakeholders.
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Corporate Development team and other business leaders, providing strategic and tactical advice on deal structures, risk allocation, and negotiation strategy.
- Collaborate with Finance, Tax, HR, Operations, and Product teams to ensure all functional aspects of transactions are addressed and aligned with business objectives.
- Manage and oversee outside counsel on M&A and investment transactions, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Support post-closing integration efforts to ensure smooth transitions and realization of deal value.
- Develop and refine M&A playbooks, including templates, checklists, and internal processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with active membership in at least one state bar.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant legal experience with significant focus on M&A, including direct, hands-on experience drafting and negotiating complex transaction agreements.
- Strong expertise in all facets of the M&A lifecycle and a solid understanding of corporate law, contract law, and securities law.
- Demonstrated ability to understand business objectives and apply legal principles pragmatically and with a risk-based approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations.
- Strong initiative, proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
- Sound judgment, commercial awareness, and ability to balance risk with business objectives.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with urgency.
- Adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management tools or legal technology is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience at a law firm specializing in M&A/Corporate practice is strongly preferred.
- In-house legal experience at a technology or high-growth company is a significant advantage.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for long periods and work on a computer.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package.
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees.
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Gym membership stipend and wellness programs with opportunities to earn additional PTO and prizes.
- Company events including food truck nights.
- 16 hours of paid volunteer time per year.
- Career advancement, leadership training, and professional development opportunities.
Location
Columbia, Missouri
Additional Information
Employment is contingent on passing a background check. Some roles may require passing a drug test depending on job responsibilities.
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V) and values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.