Senior Counsel (Contracts) - Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc

Smith & Wesson seeks a Senior Counsel (Contracts) to assist with the evaluation, preparation and negotiation of a broad range of contracts and to participate in related activities in support of the Legal Department.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):

* Draft, review, negotiate and prepare commercial contracts, including supply/purchase agreements, sale/distribution agreements and vendor agreements, with a heavy emphasis on information technology contracts, such as SaaS contracts. Be prepared to lead efforts involving informal contract dispute resolution and settlement negotiations. Maintain and update existing contract templates. Work to systematize, manage and develop contract management best practices. Approximately 75% of your time will be devoted to this aspect of the role.

* Work closely with the information technology department and serve as the “go-to” internal legal resource for cybersecurity/privacy. Approximately 15% of your time will be devoted to this aspect of the role.

* Manage the Company’s real property leases, and assist on special projects. Approximately 10% of your time will be devoted to this aspect of the role.

* Assist in maintaining and editing internal company policies and procedures, especially as they pertain to contracts, information technology security and privacy.

* Conduct internal training and provide legal guidance on compliance issues, as necessary.

* Provide legal advice on general business topics.

* Manage external counsel, as necessary.

Experience Competencies and Education

* Law degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited institution is required.

* Admission in good standing to the TN Bar is preferred. At a minimum, admission as authorized in-house counsel in TN is required, within the time provided by applicable regulation.

* 2 to 7 years of experience in areas of specific responsibility gained either in a law firm or an in-house environment, although candidates with more experience will be considered.

* Familiarity with cybersecurity and privacy matters is a plus – for example, GDPR, GLBA, HIPAA, CCPA, CPRA, CPA, CVCDPA, UCPA, CDPA, etc.

* Must have excellent writing and verbal skills and superior organizational skills.

* Must be a team player and have strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to effectively interact and build relationships with employees at all levels of the business.

* Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, self-disciplined and results oriented, with an ability to manage priorities and substantial workflow in a fast-paced work environment with ever changing business and legal objectives. Must be willing to adapt to change and drive change.

* Must possess strong business judgment and the ability to understand and respond to business issues and needs.

* Must have a strong commitment to excellence and high standards of integrity, professionalism, loyalty, honesty, respect, open mindedness and business ethics.

Location

* This role will be based in Maryville, TN (just outside of Knoxville).

* 100% in-office, non-remote

* Local candidates are preferred, although relocation support may be offered to the right candidate.

Language and Computer Skills

* Must have strong command of the English language, in both verbal and written communications.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and PowerPoint is desired.

Training Requirements:

* Complete all necessary training as required by assigned department and position.

* Participate in and follow all company initiatives.

Miscellaneous:

* Normal office environment conditions apply to this role. Must be able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

* The use of personal protective equipment may be required when on a factory floor.

* All employees are required to apply ergonomic principles to all job tasks.

* Within our manufacturing facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures and industrial lighting.

Edited 11/4/2024

Position Overview:

The Senior Counsel serves as the company's "go-to" internal resource for all litigation and employment law matters. The successful candidate will report to the General Counsel and be expected to operate independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment.

Location

* This role will be based in the Knoxville, TN area, with limited travel to Springfield, MA.

* Relocation support may be offered to the right candidate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Oversee and manage our litigation portfolio, including product liability and employment claims.

* Support our human resources department, including with respect to applicable employment laws, rules and regulations.

* Support our environment, health and safety department, including with respect to applicable environmental and safety laws, rules and regulations.

* Support our internal investigations function, including by conducting investigations.

* Oversee and manage our records retention function.

* Assist on insurance matters.

* Manage a paralegal.

* Must be a solutions-oriented advisor who anticipates and understands our business needs and offers practical solutions to advance our objectives while protecting and defending our interests. These skills are required in all cases without extensive supervision.

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Education and Experience:

* Law degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited institution is required.

* Admission in good standing to the TN Bar is preferred. At a minimum, admission as authorized in-house counsel in TN is required, within the time provided by applicable regulation.

* 3 to 10 years of experience in areas of specific responsibility gained either in a law firm or an in-house environment, with at least some in-house experience preferred.

* Experience managing a significant litigation portfolio is strongly preferred, as is experience managing product liability matters and document productions, maintaining a records retention program and managing outside counsel, with a strong focus on cost control.

* Experience with federal and state (primarily MA and TN) employment and benefits laws, rules and regulations is preferred. In the absence of applicable experience, must be willing to learn quickly. Experience working effectively with human resource partners is a plus.

* Firearm industry experience is not required, but passion/appreciation for the Second Amendment is important.

* Must have excellent writing and verbal skills and superior organizational skills.

* Must be a team player and have strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to effectively interact and build relationships with employees at all levels of the business.

* Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, self-disciplined and results oriented, with an ability to manage priorities and substantial workflow.

* Must possess strong business judgment and the ability to understand and respond to business issues and needs.

* Must have a strong commitment to excellence and high standards of integrity, professionalism, loyalty, honesty, respect, open mindedness and business ethics.

Competencies and Skills:

* Must have strong command of the English language, in both verbal and written communications.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and PowerPoint is desired.

Physical Demands:

* Normal office environment conditions apply to this role.

* Must be able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

Within any of our facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing and distribution operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

The following Personal Protective Equipment is required:

* Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor

* The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

3/6/2024

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled