Corporate Counsel

Kreg Tool Company•Ankeny, IA

About The Position

The Corporate Counsel is a strategic leader who plays a critical role in protecting and advancing the company’s intellectual property, legal interests, and long-term business objectives. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive legal guidance primarily for Kreg’s intellectual property portfolio and new assets. In addition to this primary function, the role will provide guidance for Kreg’s commercial contracts, employment law compliance, and corporate governance. As a trusted advisor, the Corporate Counsel partners closely with executive leadership and product teams to manage risk, enable innovation, and support ethical and sustainable growth. This position oversees relationships with external counsel and ensures legal practices align with the company’s values, culture, and strategic priorities.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
8+ years of progressive legal experience, with significant IP exposure.
Demonstrated experience in patent, trademark, and IP portfolio management.
Strong background in commercial contracts and negotiations.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage Kreg’s intellectual property portfolio and strategy.
Oversee patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Work with engineering, product, and marketing teams to identify and protect innovations.
Monitor competitive activity and enforce IP rights as needed.
Support licensing, joint development, and technology agreements.
Advise HR and leadership on employment-related matters:
Monitor changes in employment law and advise leadership on implications.
Support compliance across U.S. and international operations (including Germany).
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including:
Vendor and supplier agreements
Distribution and licensing agreements
NDAs and confidentiality agreements
Customer and partnership contracts
Provide legal guidance on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
Serve as primary liaison with external legal counsel.
Identify and proactively manage legal and regulatory risks.
Support insurance, claims management, and dispute resolution.
Lead responses to legal disputes, claims, and litigation.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board.
Translate legal risk into clear, business-friendly guidance.
Support long-term strategy with sound legal insight.
Model Kreg’s values and help reinforce our culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.