Overview
This role serves as the sole in-house legal advisor for a global construction materials company and its affiliates, reporting directly to the CFO. The Director, Legal will oversee all legal affairs, manage external counsel, and provide strategic legal guidance on corporate, regulatory, and operational matters. The position requires collaboration with senior leadership and international teams to support company growth, manage risk, and ensure compliance.
This is a remote position with global travel requirements.
Responsibilities
- Oversee corporate governance, including board meetings and shareholder communications.
- Manage legal matters related to mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and corporate reorganizations.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, federal laws, and industry regulations in collaboration with risk and audit leadership.
- Monitor legal and regulatory changes impacting the business.
- Identify and mitigate potential legal risks.
- Manage litigation, claims, investigations, and dispute resolution worldwide.
- Select and manage external counsel, controlling legal spend and ensuring effective representation.
- Develop litigation strategies and settlement approaches with senior leadership.
- Oversee insurance programs and claims management in partnership with Finance and Risk.
- Draft and review contracts and licenses with customers, suppliers, and partners.
- Advise on employment and labor law matters, supporting HR and management on employee relations, compliance, and workplace regulations.
- Oversee intellectual property portfolio including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Support R&D and product development with IP strategy and risk management.
- Advise on technology agreements, data privacy, cybersecurity, AI usage, and digital transformation.
- Coordinate global IP strategy with external counsel and international teams.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Bar membership in good standing.
- Minimum 10 years of corporate legal experience, including at least two years at a law firm and majority in-house experience.
- Experience as sole or lead in-house counsel in a global organization preferred.
- Experience in global manufacturing companies selling through distribution preferred.
- Experience in chemical industry and/or building products is a plus.
- International experience and prior involvement in acquisitions and divestitures are advantageous.
Skills and Qualifications
- Broad expertise in corporate, commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, employment, intellectual property, litigation, and compliance law.
- Strong understanding of product liability, regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety (EHS), and manufacturing risk.
- Experience managing mergers and acquisitions.
- Proficient in drafting and reviewing critical contracts including customer, vendor, partnership, licensing, and employment agreements.
- Ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice to senior and mid-level management.
- Proven ability to manage external legal counsel and legal budgets effectively.
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ethical standards.
- Strong executive presence with ability to influence and advise senior leadership and Board members.
- Skilled in defining and defending intellectual property rights.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Travel
- Approximately 25% travel required, including multi-day and international trips. Travel may increase based on business needs.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary range: $230,000 to $290,000, excluding bonuses and other compensation.
- Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, work location, and other factors.
- Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, 13 paid holidays plus vacation and sick time, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, AD&D, and supplemental insurance.
Location
- Remote position with global travel requirements.