Corporate General Counsel

American Water Chemicals (AWC) is a chemical manufacturing company that was created in 1993 by a group of membrane desalination experts in response to the demand for more reliable water treatment chemicals and membrane-related technical services. AWC is widely recognized as one of the leading innovators in the membrane treatment industry.

Job Description

The Corporate General Counsel serves as a member of the executive management team, accountable for the company's global legal function. Sets the overall philosophy and strategy for all legal matters and ensures that practices, policies, and business activities of the company fall within the bounds of the company’s legal posture. Provides counsel and advice to executives, directors, managers, and other leaders concerning the laws that impact their business or functional areas. Leverages in-depth understanding of the business and legal best practices to create an organization that enables the company to maintain a world class workforce and meet its financial and business goals.

Leadership
• Serves as a trusted advisor and partner to the CEO and leadership team on all legal matters relevant to the company, including personnel, policies, procedures, rules and regulations, contracts, and other laws and regulations.
• Provides legal counsel to the CEO on various legal matters and instructs on how to remain compliant with current corporate laws.
• Serves as a member of company's senior leadership team and the executive owner of issues related to legal strategy and effectiveness.
• Builds understanding and demonstrates leadership in influencing company priorities and activities tied to an integrated strategic plan.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with senior executives to identify their needs and provide accurate and relevant advice.

Strategy
• Develops and leads the corporate legal strategy to promote and protect the company's matters.
• Anticipates and identifies legal issues and counsels company leadership and other upper-level management to develop legal strategies and solutions.
• Provides recommendations to strategically enhance business performance and opportunities.
• Directs legal research and the company's litigation strategy pertaining to legal actions.
Compliance
• Represents the company as general counsel with external organizations and regulators.
• Organizes and directs activities to protect the company from a legal and regulatory standpoint by providing strategic oversight of policies and procedures required by federal and state, human resources, privacy, and other applicable laws.
• Oversees the management of outside counsel activities Operational Management.
• Oversees the legal function, ensuring that all legal matters are in alignment with our mission, values, and business objectives.
• Manages budget and people resources so that the company is prepared to deliver on its strategies; continuously look at ways to be more cost effective and improve efficiencies and service levels.
• Directs and may participate in the preparation and negotiation of major contracts and transactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 20+ years of related experience with at least 6 of those years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Juris Doctorate required.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Amount of Travel Required

20%

Skills and Abilities

• Critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent consulting skills and ability to influence decisions to a positive business understanding.
• Excellent communication skills and relationship management
• Proven ability to work in a complex, dynamic, and ambiguous environment.
• Experience in Intellectual Property – trademark, patents, and copyright.
• Experience in the chemical manufacturing space preferred
• Experience with complex contracting – upon completion of project.
• Experience with insurance placement and insurance factors for chemical manufacturing firms.
• Experience in dealing with frivolous litigation.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance