Sr. Counsel Aerospace - Employment

Woodward, Inc.•Niles, IL

7d•$113,000 - $181,000

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 (min) - $147,000 (mid) - $181,000 (max) 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

Requirements

Employment and Labor Legal Expertise: possess comprehensive knowledge of relevant employment and labor laws, regulations, and legal principles to effectively advise the organization. This includes: deep expertise in managing EEOC and state-level employment agency claims and evaluating employment litigation risks; proven skills in enhancing existing policies and procedures related to ADA compliance, accommodations, and related to protected leave; experience with compliance to the National Labor Relations Act, ability to identify labor related issues, and enhance positive labor relations; and experience with Provincial employment laws, in particular regarding operating within Ontario, Canada.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the organization adheres to all applicable employment and labor laws and regulations.
Risk Management: strong experience in identifying, assessing, and developing strategies to manage legal risks that could impact the organization's operations and reputation. This includes a proactive approach to addressing risks related to employee relations and workplace accommodations.
Strategic Thinking: contribute to the organization's strategic planning by providing legal insights that align with business objectives.
Communication Skills: skilled in communicating complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
Leadership and Team Management: lead and mentor junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.
Problem Solving Ability: demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address and resolve legal challenges and in a manner that helps the organization reach its business objectives.
Client Relationship Management: Proven track record building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external clients.
Project Management: Ability to 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).
At least five years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Aerospace and/or manufacturing experience.
At least three years of experience serving as in-house counsel.
In addition to deep employment law expertise, experience working with unionize labor and advising on and carrying out positive employee relations.

Responsibilities

Legal Advisory Services: provide expert legal advice and guidance to various departments within Woodward’s Aerospace segment on labor and employment matters, ensuring that all business activities comply with applicable laws and regulations. This includes managing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other state employment agency claims.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: identify potential legal risks associated with business operations and develop strategies to minimize exposure to litigation and regulatory issues. This includes identifying and mitigating risks related to protected leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and accommodations, and other applicable employment-related federal and state laws and regulations.
Regulatory Compliance: oversee Woodward Aerospace Segment’s compliance with relevant employment and labor laws and industry standards, conducting regular audits and implementing necessary policies and procedures.
Leadership and Mentorship: provide mentorship and guidance to junior legal staff, foster professional development and ensure the effective functioning of the legal and compliance department.

Benefits

Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (min) - $147,000 (mid) - $181,000 (max)
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