Commercial Counsel

APM Terminals; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Maersk in Charlotte, North Carolina seeks a Commercial Counsel to provide practical, solution‑oriented legal support to U.S. landside and logistics businesses.

You will draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of customer and procurement contracts across transportation, warehousing, distribution, real estate, engineering and construction. You will partner with commercial, operational, finance and risk teams to understand business needs, identify risks, and develop workable solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience practicing law with substantial commercial contract drafting, review and negotiation.
• Experience in in-house legal function or law firm and ability to manage high-volume complex matters.
• Experience in logistics, transportation, supply chain, or other highly regulated commercial environments.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage customer logistics contracts and procurement agreements including real estate, engineering, and construction.
• Advise business stakeholders on contract formation, negotiation, interpretation, and ongoing management.
• Support risk management and safety initiatives with practical legal guidance aligned to business objectives.
• Manage regulatory applications, licenses, and transportation and logistics compliance matters.
• Participate in strategic transactions and provide legal support for growth initiatives.
• Provide claims and litigation support including discovery, case management, witness interviews, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Conduct legal research and advise on matters involving DOT, FMC, labor and employment, privacy, OSHA, governance and other regulatory/regulatory requirements.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

At Maersk, we’re transforming global supply chains through end-to-end integrated logistics. As a global leader in connecting and simplifying trade, we help businesses move goods seamlessly across ocean, air, landside transportation, and warehousing, all supported by cutting edge technology and an extensive global network. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and able to be themselves. Our team members come from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we value the unique strengths each person contributes. With over 100,000 employees across 130 countries, we work together to shape the future of global trade and logistics.

About the role

As Commercial Counsel, you will provide practical, solution-oriented legal support to Maersk’s U.S. landside and logistics businesses. You will primarily focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a high volume of customer and procurement contracts across areas such as transportation, warehousing, distribution, real estate, engineering, and construction. You will partner with commercial, operational, finance, procurement, risk, safety, and other internal stakeholders to understand business needs, identify legal and commercial risks, and develop workable solutions. In addition to contracting, you will have opportunities to support strategic transactions, regulatory matters, real estate activities, claims, litigation, and other initiatives based on business needs and your areas of interest. You will join an experienced and collaborative North American Legal team with team members based in Charlotte and across the wider organization.

What We offer

This is an exciting career opportunity to work in a truly international company that makes global trade happen. You will be interacting daily with passionate colleagues around the world, giving you the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a global environment. Through the training and support we provide and learning on the job, you will have the chance to truly take your career all the way. Join a collaborative and experienced legal team that values knowledge sharing and cross-training. Gain exposure to a broad portfolio of logistics products, business functions, and commercial stakeholders. Develop experience across customer contracting, procurement, real estate, regulatory compliance, strategic transactions, and litigation support. Access benefits that include medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage customer logistics contracts and a broad range of procurement agreements, including contracts related to real estate, engineering, and construction.
• Advise business stakeholders on customer and procurement contract formation, negotiation, interpretation, and ongoing management.
• Support risk management and safety initiatives by providing practical legal guidance aligned with operational and commercial objectives.
• Manage and support regulatory applications, licenses, and transportation and logistics compliance matters.
• Participate in strategic transactions and provide legal support for initiatives that contribute to Maersk’s overall growth strategy.
• Support real estate lease negotiations, administration, and related legal matters.
• Provide claims and litigation support, including discovery responses, case management, witness interviews, information gathering, litigation strategy, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Conduct legal research and advise the business on matters involving the DOT, FMC, labor and employment, privacy, OSHA, corporate governance, and other regulatory and internal compliance requirements.

Who we are looking for

We recognize that experience comes in many forms. If you don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. Bring at least five years of experience practicing law, with substantial experience in commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation. Demonstrate the ability to manage a high volume of complex matters, establish priorities, and respond effectively to changing business needs. Apply sound judgment and a practical, commercially focused approach to evaluating risk and developing solutions. Build trusted relationships and communicate effectively with legal colleagues, business stakeholders, senior leaders, and outside counsel. Bring experience supporting an in-house legal function, a law firm, or a combination of both. Offer experience in logistics, transportation, supply chain, heavy industry, energy, aerospace, construction, or another highly regulated commercial environment. Work collaboratively, learn new areas quickly, and contribute to a team in which responsibilities and knowledge are shared.

Job type: Full-time

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Work arrangement: This position is expected to work on-site five days per week, subject to applicable company workplace policies and flexibility guidelines.

Salary: $150,000 - $250,000 USD

*The stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary and may be adjusted based on market conditions, experience, and location. Final compensation will be discussed directly with the selected candidate(s) in compliance with all applicable laws.

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States: You must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing [e-mail].

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customer's supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people. With simple end-to-end offering of products and digital services, seamless customer engagement and a superior end-to-end delivery network, Maersk enables its customers to trade and grow by transporting goods anywhere - all over the world. All the way.