Senior Commercial Counsel, Aerospace

Woodward, Inc.•Niles, IL

4d•$113,000 - $181,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (minimum) - $147,000 (midpoint) - $181,000 (maximum) All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity 401(k) match (4.5%) Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave Paid parental leave Adoption Assistance Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life Member referral bonus Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Are you ready to make your mark? We have an exciting opportunity for you. Woodward is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Counsel, Aerospace to provide strategic legal support for a broad range of commercial and transactional matters in its Aerospace business segment. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial contracting experience, preferably in the aerospace or manufacturing sector, and will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across business units and geographies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Woodward’s mission while navigating a dynamic regulatory environment and partnering cross-functionally to enable business success. What does it mean to be part of Woodward? It means contributing to what matters most in your career, in your community and around the world. It means being a part of rewarding experiences, where innovation, collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of what we do. Explore our open positions and apply today. Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.

Requirements

Legal Expertise: A Senior Counsel possesses comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and legal principles to effectively advise the organization.
Contract Drafting and Negotiation: They are skilled in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to ensure favorable terms and mitigate potential risks.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the organization adheres to all applicable laws and regulations is a key responsibility of a Senior Counsel.
Risk Management: They identify, assess, and develop strategies to manage legal risks that could impact the organization's operations and reputation.
Strategic Thinking: Senior Counsel contributes to the organization's strategic planning by providing legal insights that align with business objectives.
Communication Skills: They communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
Leadership and Team Management: A Senior Counsel leads and mentors junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.
Problem Solving Ability: They demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address and resolve legal challenges efficiently.
Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external clients is essential for a Senior Counsel.
Project Management: They manage multiple legal projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks and deliverables.
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the relevant country and jurisdiction(s).
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Responsibilities

Legal Advisory Services: Senior Counsel provides expert legal advice and guidance to various departments within the organization, ensuring that all business activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Contract Management: Senior Counsel drafts, reviews, negotiates, and manages a wide range of contracts and agreements to protect the organization's interests and mitigate legal risks.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Senior Counsel identifies potential legal risks associated with business operations and develops strategies to minimize exposure to litigation and regulatory issues.
Regulatory Compliance: Senior Counsel oversees the organization’s compliance with relevant laws and industry standards, conducting regular audits and implementing necessary policies and procedures.
Leadership and Mentorship: Senior Counsel leads the legal team by providing mentorship and guidance to junior legal staff, fostering professional development and ensuring the effective functioning of the legal department.

Benefits

All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
12 paid holidays, including floating holidays
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave
Paid parental leave
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave