Assistant General Counsel – M&A / Commercial Job

The Assistant General Counsel – M&A / Commercial

The Assistant General Counsel – M&A / Commercial position is part of the U.S. Law Department and works closely with the Global M&A Law Team and the US Commercial Team.

The position reports directly to the U.S. General Counsel for M&A and indirectly to the Associate General Counsel for all commercial matters.

Successful candidates shall provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services that minimize the Company’s incurrence of liability and ensure that its rights are enforceable by:

• Providing advice on the structure and implementation of M&A and other commercial transactions.
• Providing advice on the effect of agreements and rules of law governing such matters.
• Negotiating and drafting or reviewing such agreements.
• Supervising and managing due diligence efforts.
• Assisting with risk mitigation, claim analysis, and commercial advice in M&A and other transactions.

Some business travel may be required. (Approximate Time: 20%)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Function as a key member of the in-house M&A and commercial teams and the overall Arkema law department. Operate in a fast-paced environment, requiring a wide range of capabilities and flexibility.

Mergers & Acquisitions (Approximately 45%)

• Support and provide legal assistance on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, restructurings, and other commercial transactions to multiple business units and functional departments within Arkema and its subsidiaries.
• Provide legal advice on all mergers and acquisitions needs, including contracting, antitrust, and policy compliance.
• Advise on laws at both the federal and state levels.
• Work independently with business groups and functional department clients in the US and globally with limited supervision as the primary U.S. M&A legal advisor.
• Draft and review M&A contracts of all types for businesses and functions, as well as all ancillary agreements.
• Engage in and supervise due diligence activities.
• Supervise outside counsel.
• Conduct risk assessment and analysis within the M&A context and the overall company structure.
• Handle small deals in-house.

Commercial and Business Contracts (Approximately 45%)

• Review diverse types of commercial and business contracts for assigned business and functional departments, including but not limited to NDAs, purchase and supply contracts, and agreements for distribution, sales representation, private label, tolling, rebate, logistics, software, and services.
• Negotiate, draft, and advise business units and staff departments on major commercial and capital projects and contracts.
• Provide advice on antitrust, force majeure, and other commercial law issues.
• Advise supply chain and business units on U.S. and foreign export/import and customs laws and regulations.
• Manage outside counsel where outside expertise is required.

Other Assigned Duties (Approximately 10%)

• Provide training to the businesses regarding all aspects of M&A, antitrust, and other commercial transactions.
• Advise on compliance with various company policies.
• Manage outside counsel and in-house support personnel.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Education Required

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience required.
• Experience handling a wide variety of large and small commercial contract matters as well as M&A matters.
• Both law firm and in-house experience preferred but not required. Big law firm experience is a plus.
• PA Bar preferred.
• Juris Doctorate required.
• Primary practice areas: M&A, commercial law, contracts, and antitrust.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse client base, including senior-level management.
• Team player who is flexible, adaptable, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Occasionally requires working additional hours outside of the normal workday/workweek to meet deadlines.
• Hybrid schedule – minimum 3 days in the office.
• Travel to remote locations may be required.

Who We Are

Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.

We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands, including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! Operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 21,100 employees, Arkema is positioned as a recognized leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials. Reporting annual sales of €9.5 billion, Arkema allocates 2.9% to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.

If you pursue excellence, love innovation, and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and our focus on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials, home efficiency, and insulation.

Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials – and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.

Learn more here