Assistant General Counsel

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.•Minneapolis, MN

4d•$210,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Apogee Enterprises Inc. Position Summary Assist in protecting the legal interests of Apogee and its Architectural Metals Segment, with an emphasis on commercial building product-related contract review and management of claims and litigation. Prepare and review contracts involving primarily commercial building products, but also including purchases, sales, licenses, leases, real estate, insurance and other matters. Responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, negotiating customer contracts, drafting key documents, and presenting clear recommendations to management. Manage all claims and litigation affecting Architectural Metals, including lawsuits, claims, contract disputes, record retention, and resolution process, including management of outside counsel. This position reports to the Apogee General Counsel, with matrix reporting to the Architectural Metals Segment President where this role will work with the segment leadership and team. Responsibilities The General Counsel at Apogee will determine the goals and objectives for this position as well as provide annual performance reviews. The essential duties and responsibilities include: Assist business partners in reviewing and negotiating contracts involving suppliers, vendors, purchases, sales, licenses, leases, real estate, and insurance. Anticipate and guard against legal risks in selling commercial building products and services, including advice and support regarding terms and conditions of sale, product warranties, and third-party sales representative and distribution agreements. Create and manage contract templates and processes. Manage claims and litigation. Experience in handling complex construction-related, product defect, and warranty claims required. Retention and management of outside counsel as directed by General Counsel. Manage and direct claims handling strategy and case resolution. Provide appropriate legal counsel to Apogee’s Architectural Metals Segment on a broad range of legal related matters, including compliance matters, employment law, changes in applicable laws, contract management, claims handling, and related preventative measures applicable to business operations and the construction and building product manufacturing industries specifically. Provide appropriate legal support to procurement function including review and drafting of supply contracts. Assist with applicable state registration and licensing for current business operations and expansion into new business markets. Assist Apogee’s General Counsel in compliance with public company reporting requirements under the US Securities laws. Help to ensure ethical business practices and corporate compliance, including Apogee’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. May assist in legal aspects of merger and acquisition activities and other business development activities. Assist Apogee Risk Manager on insurance coverage matters. Provide training on applicable legal matters. Perform other legal related duties as assigned by General Counsel.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, admitted to Minnesota State Bar, current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota. (If licensed elsewhere, must obtain Minnesota State license within 12 months.)
Minimum of 5-7 years of practice as an attorney either in private practice or in-house, including a minimum of five years of directly relevant work experience in manufacturing or construction working with legal contracts and agreements, construction, product defect, and/or warranty claims, and litigation.
Comprehensive knowledge of construction and/or products liability law and contracts.
Demonstrated leadership skills, fostering support of company mission, strategies, and objectives.
Demonstrated experience being responsive and timely for requests/inquiries and internal/external customer needs.
Effective communication, interpersonal, and negotiating skills.
Effective reasoning ability, define problems, gather information, establish facts, conduct legal analysis, and draw valid conclusions to provide counsel on legal matters.
Experience resolving conflict between groups with opposing perspectives and agendas.

Nice To Haves

Insurance coverage related experience a plus.
Knowledge of Canadian employment law preferred.
Knowledge or experience with labor unions preferred.
Knowledge of commercial glazing industry helpful.

Responsibilities

Assist business partners in reviewing and negotiating contracts involving suppliers, vendors, purchases, sales, licenses, leases, real estate, and insurance.
Anticipate and guard against legal risks in selling commercial building products and services, including advice and support regarding terms and conditions of sale, product warranties, and third-party sales representative and distribution agreements.
Create and manage contract templates and processes.
Manage claims and litigation.
Retention and management of outside counsel as directed by General Counsel.
Manage and direct claims handling strategy and case resolution.
Provide appropriate legal counsel to Apogee’s Architectural Metals Segment on a broad range of legal related matters, including compliance matters, employment law, changes in applicable laws, contract management, claims handling, and related preventative measures applicable to business operations and the construction and building product manufacturing industries specifically.
Provide appropriate legal support to procurement function including review and drafting of supply contracts.
Assist with applicable state registration and licensing for current business operations and expansion into new business markets.
Assist Apogee’s General Counsel in compliance with public company reporting requirements under the US Securities laws.
Help to ensure ethical business practices and corporate compliance, including Apogee’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct.
May assist in legal aspects of merger and acquisition activities and other business development activities.
Assist Apogee Risk Manager on insurance coverage matters.
Provide training on applicable legal matters.
Perform other legal related duties as assigned by General Counsel.

Benefits

Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression