Associate General Counsel

Do you want to work in an international environment and are you curious by nature?

Husqvarna seeks an Associate General Counsel - Commercial to join the in-house legal team at our North America headquarters in the Northlake area of Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Associate General Counsel will serve as a valued business partner and provide support, legal counsel and advice to Husqvarna. 

Candidates should have demonstrated experience negotiating and drafting a wide variety of commercial contracts, including supplier and dealer agreements, in a manner that minimizes financial, performance, operational, regulatory, reputational, and technology related risks.  Candidates should also have a proven record of guiding companies on best practices and assisting business units with change management and other day-to-day commercial issues. 

In addition to advising the company on all types of substantive commercial matters, the successful candidate will also lead or support a variety of litigation, dispute resolution, environmental, M&A and other compliance issues. The candidate will also be willing and eager to lead or assist with other unique legal challenges that may arise.

The Associate General Counsel will report to the General Counsel for North America and will follow the company’s work policies which currently allow employees to work from home up to 50% of their working time.

Key Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Ability to prepare, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts.  Finds creative solutions that meet business objectives while also managing risks.  Ensures all contracts comply with relevant laws and regulations. 

• Serves as a respected advisor to business clients on a variety of commercial issues.  Practices superior legal judgment and communicates clearly to all stakeholders.  Provides advice on a variety of commercial matters.

• Skillfully advocates for Husqvarna’s interests, while also building relationships with key business partners. 

• Confers with other members of the Legal Department and subject matter experts, as needed, to ensure contracts comply with internal policies.  Manages external counsel and sets budgets for case activities.  Reviews and approves invoices for assigned matters. 

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to effectively explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.

• Identifies opportunities and strategies for process improvement and risk control; collaborates with and influences teams on operational processes and initiatives.

• Proven background understanding complex legal issues, assessing risks, and advising clients on options to best address any identified risks. 

• Strong business acumen and ability to navigate complex organizations.

• Exceptional organizational skills, and willingness to push for continued improvement. Ensures contracts are properly executed and stored in accordance with company policies.  

• Detail oriented, and strong problem-solving skills.

• Highly collaborative and team oriented, and willing to take on challenging tasks or responsibilities

• Experience managing commercial litigation.  Assists with product liability litigation and participates on industry standards committees as assigned.

• Conducts training on policies and best practices. 

• Maintains contract management database, as required. Performs other duties, as assigned.

• Strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple priorities to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.

• Willing to learn new areas of the law and grow new skills.  Able to assist with environmental matters, regulatory issues (including potential recalls), meet with regulatory agencies, represent Husqvarna at industry meetings, handle unique litigation matters and provide input on other issues that may arise. 

• Reviews marketing material to ensure claims conform to applicable laws and regulations.

• Excellent leadership skills

• You have high energy and strong interpersonal ability, are a team player and interested in other people’s knowledge

Required Qualifications

• 7 years as a practicing attorney at either a law firm, corporation, or both

• Minimum 6 years of direct experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts

• Preferred experience working in-house for a large company, or demonstrated experience working directly with in-house attorneys on commercial issues

• Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school

• Admission to at least one US State Bar.  Must be in good standing.

• Experience counseling senior management and a track record of providing valuable business advice in addition to legal advice.

Last date to apply: