Corporate Counsel

Hydro-Gear; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydro-Gear in Franklin, TN seeks a Corporate Counsel to partner with the leadership team and guide strategic decisions. The role covers commercial contracts, risk management, regulatory matters, product liability, and dispute resolution while collaborating with leaders across the organization.

You will manage outside counsel on litigation, support IP matters, and help align legal strategy with business objectives in a fast‑moving manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 5+ years of law firm or in-house experience, preferably with a manufacturing company.
• Current bar registration.
• Fluent in English with excellent written communication.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Provide risk assessments and regulatory guidance to leadership.
• Support product liability, recalls, and quality issues.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation and discovery.
• Assist with IP matters including joint development agreements.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk assessment

Effective communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Undergraduate degree in a technical discipline

Job description

Brief Description

Few legal roles offer this level of visibility and influence across an organization. This position provides the opportunity to partner with business leaders, guide strategic decisions, and help manage risk across an industry-leading manufacturing company. Success in this role requires a practical legal professional who can navigate complex issues, balance business objectives with legal considerations, and deliver solutions that support growth and innovation.

Please note, we are not able to consider candidates who currently or in the future will require visa sponsorship.

Hydro-Gear is a world leader in the design and production of precision drive solutions, serving multiple industries and delivering to customers worldwide. Our passion is innovation and a commitment to making our customers successful. Learn more about us at Hydro-Gear.com.

Job Type & Location

Onsite position (not remote or hybrid) located in Franklin, TN.

The Role

The Corporate Counsel will serve as a trusted legal advisor to Hydro-Gear's leadership team, providing guidance across a broad range of legal and business matters. This role will support commercial contracts, risk management, regulatory, product liability, and dispute resolution while partnering with leaders throughout the organization to address challenges and support strategic objectives.

Key Focus Areas

• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating customer, supplier, service, consultant, lease, IT, confidentiality, and licensing agreements
• Providing legal guidance and risk assessments to business leaders across multiple functions in the United States, Europe, and China
• Supporting product liability matters, quality issues, and potential recall activities
• Managing insurance claims, record retention programs, and corporate legal processes
• Partnering with outside counsel on litigation, discovery, and compliance matters
• Supporting intellectual property matters such as joint development agreements

Profile For Success

• Balances legal risk with practical business solutions
• Strong contract negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Effective communicator who builds credibility across all levels
• Organized, collaborative professional with sound judgment

What You Can Expect

• Broad exposure to nearly every functional area of the organization
• Direct interaction with executive leadership and key decision makers
• Opportunity to influence legal strategy and business outcomes
• Varied work across commercial, operational, compliance, and IP matters

Why Join Hydro-Gear?

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to a global manufacturing leader
• Make a meaningful impact on strategic business decisions
• Gain exposure to a diverse range of legal disciplines in one role
• Join a culture focused on teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement
• If you are looking for a role that combines legal expertise, business partnership, and organizational influence, we would love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• 5+ years law firm or in-house experience, preferably with a manufacturing company
• Current bar registration
• Undergraduate degree in a technical discipline desired
• Fluent in English with exceptional written communication skills