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 global travel requirements.
Responsibilities
- Oversee corporate governance, including board meetings and shareholder communications.
- Manage legal matters related to mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and other strategic transactions.
- Advise on corporate structure and reorganizations.
- Collaborate with Enterprise Risk and Audit to ensure compliance with local, state, federal laws, and industry regulations.
- Monitor legal and regulatory changes impacting the business.
- Identify and mitigate potential legal risks.
- Manage worldwide litigation, claims, investigations, and dispute resolution.
- Select, retain, 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 in partnership with Finance and Risk.
- Draft and review contracts and licenses with customers, suppliers, and business partners.
- Advise Human Resources and management on employment law matters including employee relations, discipline, terminations, compensation, and benefits.
- Support compliance with wage and hour laws, discrimination and harassment laws, immigration, and workplace safety regulations.
- Oversee protection, development, and enforcement of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Support R&D, innovation, and product development initiatives 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.
- Experience as sole or lead in-house counsel in a global organization preferred.
- Experience in a global manufacturing company 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.
- Proven ability to draft and review critical contracts including customer agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, licensing agreements, and employment contracts.
- Ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice to senior and mid-level management.
- Experience managing external legal counsel and legal budgets effectively.
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ethical standards.
- Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance.
- Strong executive presence with ability to influence and advise senior leadership and Board members.
- Experience defining and defending intellectual property.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic 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, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- 13 paid holidays plus paid vacation and sick time
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance, AD&D, and supplemental insurance
Location
- Remote position with global travel requirements.