Our client, a growing global automation/manufacturing company is seeking a Commercial Counsel to join their legal team out of either Columbus or Pittsburgh. This individual will be expected to collaborate with a global c-suite team, work cross-functionally, and provide legal insight across the business.
Job Title: Commercial Counsel
Location: Columbus, Ohio -OR- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Work mode: 5-days a week on-site
Compensation: Base Salary: $130,000 - $150,000
The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of deep experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements in an industrial, manufacturing, technology, or project-based environment and thrives in a fast-paced, international business setting.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and management of a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
- Software licensing and technology agreements
- Distribution and supply agreements
- Installation and maintenance contracts
- Bid bonds, performance bonds, and related security instruments
- Customer proposals, tenders, and procurement documentation
Partner directly with sales, operations, procurement, and business leadership teams to support strategic commercial transactions and customer opportunities.
Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and commercial risks while balancing business objectives and operational realities.
Provide practical, solutions-oriented legal counsel throughout the contract lifecycle, from deal structuring through execution and performance.
Develop and enhance contract templates, negotiation playbooks, approval processes, and other tools designed to improve efficiency and consistency across the organization.
Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders by translating complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance that supports revenue growth and operational success.
Support legal matters across multiple U.S. entities and a Canadian entity, ensuring contract compliance and alignment with applicable legal requirements.
Collaborate with external counsel on dispute resolution, litigation, and other specialized legal matters as needed.
Provide support for corporate governance, insurance, and risk management initiatives as part of the broader legal function.
Promote effective contract management practices and legal risk awareness throughout the organization.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
- 5+ years of legal experience with a significant focus on commercial contracting and contract negotiation.
- Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex customer, supplier, distribution, technology, and service agreements.
- Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, engineering, automation, or technology-driven businesses preferred.
- Familiarity with cross-border commercial matters involving the United States and Canada is highly desirable.
- Prior in-house counsel experience strongly preferred.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
- Pragmatic, responsive, and solutions-oriented approach with exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.