What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts Counsel position at U.S. Xpress, Inc.?
Primary Position Purpose:
This role provides contract negotiation support, as well as legal advice, to various divisions and affiliates of U.S. Xpress, Inc (the “Company”) and is a team member within the department of the Company’s General Counsel. While the position is likely to be called upon to provide services and support in a variety of areas, the person holding this position will be asked to focus on and devote the majority of their time reviewing, revising, and providing business leaders with feedback on customer contracts, and regulatory compliance. This role is considered a trusted and strategic business partner to all revenue-generating areas of the business, and the ideal candidate prefers spending a majority of their time reading and writing, while also having strong interpersonal skills.
Position Functions:
- Negotiate, prepare, review, and/or draft contracts, including customer, vendor, and other commercial contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and various transportation related contracts
- Work with management to ensure that contracts appropriately protect the Company, meet strategic objectives, and address customer or vendor issues. Keep management apprised of status of contract negotiations and issues, including weekly, monthly or quarterly reporting, as requested
- Perform special contract related projects for Company management
- Maintain digital records of contracts
- Instruct the company sales and pricing departments on terms and conditions of customer requests for proposals, bid submissions, and rate agreements
- Advise and support Company management by assessing legal, regulatory and business risk related to contract provisions and proposed business strategies or policies, providing advice and guidance as to best course of action, and assisting in the documentation of elected course of action
- Assist in the development, management, and monitoring of Company policies and regulatory compliance programs
- Provide information regarding legal entity structure, management slates, history, etc.
- Maintain awareness and understanding of current laws and regulations pertinent to the transportation industry and other specific areas of responsibility
- May include other duties as assigned by management
- Be detailed and concise in the duties and expectations of the role
- Collaborate in-person with all levels of the organization to harness collective intelligence of the workforce.
- Attend all in-person meetings and trainings on recent developments, goals, and objectives. Participate in such discussions by offering input and advice.
- Regularly engage remotely and in-person with customers and potential customers to establish rapport, open communication, and expectations.
What We’re Looking For:
Education:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school is required
Experience:
- 0-3 years of relevant working experience
- Experience in transportation industry is preferred
Skills & Abilities:
- Superior written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Must have an enthusiasm for and excel at drafting and interpreting contract language with an emphasis on clear, succinct work product
- Ability to work independently, efficiently, proactively, and effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience in contract management systems is preferred
Licenses & Certifications:
- Must have a current law license in good standing or the ability to obtain a law license within six months of hire
Supervisory Responsibility:
- May be called upon to supervisor or direct the work of legal assistants
