VP, Associate General Counsel, Merger & Acquisitions

Gates Corporation • Denver, CO

3d • $275,000 - $325,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President, Legal, Merger & Acquisition will be responsible for managing the legal aspects of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and investments. This position partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive strategic growth while ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to at least one state bar
• Typically 10–12+ years of M&A legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
• Deep expertise in Corporate law, M&A transactions (public/private), Deal structuring and negotiation
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex deals
• Strategic thinking – Aligns legal advice with business growth objectives
• Negotiation expertise – Drives favorable outcomes in high-value transactions
• Risk assessment – Identifies and mitigates legal exposure
• Project management – Manages multiple complex deals simultaneously
• Stakeholder influence – Engages executives and cross-functional partners
• Communication – Excellent written and verbal skills for legal and business audiences
• Team focus – Works effectively with others in the Legal Department and across functions to achieve company objectives

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A Transactions End-to-End: Oversee legal support for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments globally. Guide deals from initial strategy and due diligence through execution and post-close integration. Structure transactions to align with business, financial, and legal objectives.
• Legal Advisory & Risk Management: Advise senior leadership on risks, deal structures, and regulatory implications. Identify legal issues early and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Due Diligence Oversight: With Corporate Development, lead legal due diligence for target companies and transactions. Coordinate with internal teams (finance, tax, HR, compliance) and external counsel. Evaluate contractual, litigation, regulatory, and operational risks.
• Drafting & Negotiation: Structure, draft, and negotiate purchase agreements, joint venture and partnership agreements, NDAs and ancillary deal documents. Lead negotiations with counterparties and external legal teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Tax, Treasury, HR, and Compliance teams. Align legal strategy with broader corporate growth and integration efforts.
• Manage External Counsel & Budgets: Select and oversee outside counsel. Manage legal spend and ensure efficient execution of transactions.
• Post-Merger Integration: Provide legal guidance on integration planning and execution. Ensure alignment of governance, contracts, and regulatory obligations post-close.
• Leadership & Team Development: Collaborate with legal team members supporting M&A activities. Build scalable processes, playbooks, and best practices for transactions. Track record of effectively counseling and influencing senior executives.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Flexible Time Off
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree