WELLS: A CAREER WORTH BUILDING

Wells is one of the largest prefabricated building solution providers with locations across the central U.S., providing meaningful work in many different regions. We are a family-owned company that has celebrated 70 years of success. 

At the end of the day, we are a team of creators. Our 1,300 employees across the U.S. play an important role as catalysts, constructors, and community members. They are committed to reducing risk, building confidence, and deliberately planning for partners’ success — from vision through construction and beyond.

Every day, more architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and owners specify Wells precast building components for their construction needs and with this continued success, we are looking to hire a motivated self-starting Senior Legal Counsel Member to join our team. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Senior Legal Counsel role will have the responsibility for handling corporate contracting matters throughout the United States and will report to the Chief Legal & Safety Officer. The Senior Legal Counsel will be an integral business partner to the organization supporting the legal team in numerous areas with a focus on construction and commercial contract development, review, and negotiation, meeting regulatory requirements, commercial real estate leases, collaborating with the contract administration team, and managing outside counsel. In addition, the Senior Legal Counsel will lead vendor evaluation, selection, and implementation of a Contract Lifecycle Management tool, establish policies, procedures, and workflows, assist with lien and collection efforts, and support executive-level strategy and direction. The Senior Legal Counsel will partner with mid-to-senior level internal stakeholders concerning projects, operations decisions, and helps drive standardization. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external clients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and review complex, high-value construction, engineering, design, and other related contracts and assist in a wide variety of contract negotiations and disputes with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and partners
• Assist in payment disputes, design, claims, defect claims, and other construction-related disputes
• Advise on legal matters specific to the construction industry, including project financing, liens, bonding, and insurance.
• Provide timely, high-quality analysis and pragmatic advice on legal and business issues to mid-level and senior leadership
• Provide training to staff on contractual obligations and risk management
• Take a leadership role on business transactions, initiatives, projects, and reporting and disclosure requirements
• Pinpoint and address core issues within business processes and make actionable recommendations
• Set strategy for, manage, and provide advice to senior leadership and the business on corporate legal matters
• Lead the implementation of automated contracting solutions including Contract Lifecycle Management tools
• Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate legal risks
• Team up with Executive leaders to chalk out, help define, and prioritize strategic business moves and development and evaluate risk factors
• Conduct legal research, interpret law, and determine applicability of new laws and impact on Wells business lines
• Keep up to date with external market events, pressures, and regulations that may impact Wells and provide internal guidance
• Develop creative approaches to providing or improving services that may increase efficiency and decrease cost
• Drive change, execute on any lessons learned and best practices, and help develop a best-in-class legal department
• Have a genuine interest and ability to connect and engage with all levels of employees and management and function integrally as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Creatively solve any problem that gets thrown your way with relentless execution
• Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be assigned by his/her supervisor.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• 5 years of relevant, broad-based legal experience gained in an in-housel legal department.
• Prior experience in handling construction contracting matters
• Experience with prioritizing and managing numerous competing demands in a high volume and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently move projects forward by gaining support needed from stakeholders across the company and working in a cross-functional role
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Forms), as well as the ability to learn and use proprietary computer systems and databases.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Minimal risk of exposure to unusual elements.
• Minimal risk of safety precautions.
• General Office Environment
• Travel as needed to Wells or its clients’ offices, jobsites, and Plants

Wells is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Wells participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 Form information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.