Commercial Counsel

Larson Maddox; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a growing global automation/manufacturing company, seeks a Commercial Counsel to join their legal team in Columbus, OH or Pittsburgh, PA. This on-site role collaborates with a global c-suite and cross-functional teams to provide practical legal insight across the business.

Qualified candidates have a JD, active bar admission, 5+ years in commercial contracting, and experience with industrial/manufacturing technology. In-house experience and cross-border familiarity are preferred.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership.
• 5+ years of legal experience focused on commercial contracting.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex customer, supplier, distribution, technology, and service agreements.
• In-house counsel experience preferred; cross-border US/Canada experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of a broad range of commercial agreements, including software licensing, distribution, installation, and maintenance contracts.
• Negotiate and manage customer proposals, tenders, and procurement documentation.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, procurement, and business leadership to support strategic transactions.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks while balancing business objectives.
• Develop and enhance contract templates, playbooks, and approval processes for efficiency and consistency.
• Advise business stakeholders with clear, actionable guidance to drive revenue and operations.

Skills

Legal drafting & negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Contract risk management

Stakeholder management

In-house counsel experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active Bar Membership

Job description

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.