Corporate Counsel

Set Your Future IN MOTION

Manitou is purposefully committed to you, its people. We continue to elevate our success based on a “One United Team” focus that enables our purpose-driven and agile work environment. We pride ourselves in fostering a work-life balance that allows flexibility in people's day-to-day lives. In an era when talent is in-demand, you will find an unwavering commitment to your personal and professional growth.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY CULTURE:

As a worldwide leader in handling, access platforms and earthmoving equipment, Manitou Group’s mission is to improve working conditions, safety and performance throughout the world, while preserving people and their environment. We design, manufacture, distribute and service products and solutions for the material handling, access equipment and compact earthmoving activities that work smarter, safer and reliably while delivering value to our customers.  Our high-profile brands include Manitou and Gehl, and we are proud of our network of 1,050 dealers throughout the world.  With sales in 140 countries, our team of 4,500 people are committed to delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.  We operate in more than 30 global locations to ensure proximity to our customers and services tailored to their needs.

Manitou continues on the forefront of innovation driving the green transition while also streamlining our operations guided by our customer-centric “New Horizons” roadmap. We are committed to providing safety and unique customer experiences worldwide. In sharing the same mission and values, our workforce remains engaged and passionate about what we manufacture and services we provide.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

This is a generalist position, reporting to the Associate General Counsel, with a focus on duties related to North American operations support and global intellectual property advice (excluding trademarks). This position will provide primary support to the following North American teams: Quality, New Product Development, Logistics, Production Operations, Information Technology & Data, and Sourcing. This position will also support global R&D teams with respect to research, advice and risk analysis for intellectual property matters. Candidates must demonstrate excellent attention to detail in composing and proofing deliverables, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines. Candidates must have a high level of integrity, interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. Manitou Group’s global legal team consists of 8 attorneys and 3 support staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with internal customers on process development, guidelines, and continual process improvement.
• Assume lead role in structuring, drafting, editing, and negotiating various commercial contracts (including license agreements, purchase agreements, and service agreements) and ensuring such contracts properly protect the company’s interests.
• Assist with real estate transactions.
• Provide strategic advice and support to North American Quality, New Product Development, Logistics, Production Operations, Sourcing, Information Technology & Data, and other departments as needed on a variety of matters.
• Analyze and advise internal customers on risk.
• Facilitate consistency between the North American entity and its global affiliates.
• Develop an intellectual property law expertise for Manitou Group and provide  support to R&D teams on intellectual property-related matters that require legal research, advice, and risk analysis.
• Build competency related to international intellectual property matters.
• Contribute to a culture of sharing legal knowledge by training global R&D teams and North American Sourcing teams on topics related to patents, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality and proprietary information.
• Advise and support other global Manitou attorneys on intellectual property matters. This position will not advise on or perform any patent prosecution or trademark duties.
• Manage projects that clarify and promote the legal team’s role in the company.
• Create (or adapt from existing documents) templates, processes, and tools.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts or working in a transactional law environment.
• Experience with intellectual property law is preferred, but not required if the candidate is able to demonstrate an aptitude to quickly learn new areas of law.
• Experience with trade compliance is preferred, but not required if the candidate is able to demonstrate an aptitude to quickly learn new areas of law.
• Experience working within an international corporate entity structure is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with project management and implementation.
• Able to independently research and analyze issues.
• Able to demonstrate a record of professional excellence and achievement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Positive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team, both within the legal department and cross-functionally with other departments.
• Able to collaborate with and support global business teams and attorneys.

EXPERTISE:

• Contract law and contract drafting. Trade compliance and intellectual property law preferred but not required.

EDUCATION:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS:

• Internal connections include R&D, Quality, New Product Development, Logistics, Production Operations, Information Technology & Data, and Sourcing.
• External connections include suppliers and law firms.

LOCALIZATION AND TRAVEL EXPECTED:

• This position is located in West Bend, Wisconsin. We offer a hybrid schedule working up to 2 days per week from home after 90 days per manager discretion.
• Travel up to 5%

#manitouusjobs

#li-manitouusjobs

OUR REWARDS & RECOGNITION:
In addition to an inclusive compensation package, we offer a comprehensive benefits program, including: Medical/Dental/Vision, 401k including employer match, tuition reimbursement, community-oriented volunteer program, wellness activities, employee and family activities throughout the year, and so much more! See for yourself why Forbes ranked Manitou within the top 125 for World’s Best Employers.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.  
Equal Opportunity Employer