Director, Sr. Counsel Corporate and Innovation

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

PURPOSE/SCOPE:  

• The primary focus of the Senior Counsel, Corporate and Innovation, is to be an innovative, strategic counselor to the SVP - Technology and Innovation, VP – R&D, VP - Marketing, and their respective leadership teams.  The successful candidate will be expected to provide integrated, nuanced counsel in the areas of intellectual property, research and development, information technology, marketing, and sourcing. This role requires the ability to lead change, and think creatively and practically to solve novel issues.
• The Senior Counsel, Corporate and Innovation will also gain exposure to and support other legal work processes for the department’s corporate team in general corporate and securities matters, litigation management, and business development initiatives.
  
  

GENERAL RESPONISIBILITIES:    

• Create, implement, manage, and develop strategies for the Marketing, Engineering, IT, and Sourcing leadership teams and provide exceptional guidance on complex business problems.
• Lead end-to-end intellectual property processes including education about the company strategy,  outside counsel management, strategic decision making, and partnerships with other teams on innovation efforts within Tennant
• Responsible for end-to-end innovative and collaborative legal counsel on emerging technology, and risks, including product development. Evaluate licensing and/or protection of intellectual property as new products are developed in cooperation with product teams.
• Draft and negotiate a variety of complex contracts with suppliers, partner companies, universities, and other entities to support business objectives.
• Work closely with the marketing team to support various marketing initiatives and branding needs, including trademark strategy and execution, and literature review.
• Lead legal support for global direct and indirect global supply chain, transportation, and trade.
• Gain a general familiarity and understanding of other matters within the corporate legal team’s scope of responsibility so as to provide back-up and additional support when needed and to further develop as a well-rounded strategic partner.
• Coach, develop, and mentor teams driving a strong internal talent bench and high performance culture.
• Collaborate with internal and external clients at all levels to effectively minimize legal risk to the business while supporting the achievement of the company’s business and strategic objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the company’s business and business practices; engage in a participative and proactive style of legal practice in order to best serve internal clients.
• Develop, implement, and execute policies, procedures, guidance, training materials and other interpretations of laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
  
  

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
• Minimum Experience: 5 years’ experience as an attorney, with experience in both an external law firm and in-house corporate role for a public company desired.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and succinctly deliver legal advice both orally and in writing to business partners.
• Preferred candidate will have international experience, experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements (sourcing and IT) and a firm understanding of intellectual property and data privacy.

REQUIRED INTERPERSONAL & BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:  In addition to the General Responsibilities, the following are requisite interpersonal and behavior skills of the position as well as:

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, and use good judgment in varied situations.
• Ability to give direction and manage a team.
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, communication, influencing, decision-making, problem solving, organization, teamwork and developing talent.
• Ability to juggle multiple and competing priorities.
• A practical problem solver with a customer focus, collaborating to manage appropriate risk while accomplishing business objectives

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $169,700 - $254,600

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits

Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, disability, life insurance, paid time off, and voluntary benefits!

Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.