Director, Legal

Overview

A global construction brand specializing in high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions is seeking a Director, Legal. This role serves as the sole in-house legal advisor, reporting directly to the CFO, and will oversee all legal affairs, manage external counsel, and provide strategic legal guidance on corporate, regulatory, and operational matters. The position supports the company’s growth while managing risk and ensuring legal compliance across U.S. and international operations.

This is a remote position with approximately 25% travel required, including international trips.

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 worldwide litigation, claims, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Select and manage external counsel, controlling legal spend and ensuring cost-effective representation.
• Develop litigation strategies and settlement approaches in coordination with senior leadership.
• Oversee insurance programs, claims management, and coverage matters with Finance and Risk teams.
• Draft and review contracts and licenses with customers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Advise on employment and labor law matters, including employee relations, discipline, terminations, compensation, benefits, and compliance with wage, discrimination, immigration, and workplace safety laws.
• Oversee intellectual property portfolio management, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Support R&D, innovation, and product development with IP strategy and risk management.
• Advise on technology agreements, data privacy, cybersecurity, AI usage, and digital transformation initiatives.
• 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.
• Proven 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 legal experience and experience with 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.
• Skilled 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 the ability to influence and advise senior leadership and the Board.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $230,000 to $290,000, excluding bonuses and other compensation.
• 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 approximately 25%, including multi-day and international trips.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and able to travel internationally as required.