Corporate Counsel

The Kendall Group, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Corporate Counsel to partner with executive leadership and the legal team to support business objectives and risk management. You will provide practical, business‑oriented legal guidance on commercial transactions, corporate policies, and real estate matters, coordinating with outside counsel as needed.

The role requires a JD with bar license, 3+ years of relevant experience, and strong drafting and negotiation skills to manage contracts and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance or real estate
• JD degree from ABA-accredited law school and licensed to practice in at least one state
• Strong ability to analyze legal issues and provide business-oriented recommendations

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to support business objectives and provide legal guidance on a broad range of issues
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret commercial agreements
• Support compliance initiatives, policies, and training
• Identify risks and propose practical solutions aligned with company goals
• Coordinate with outside counsel for complex disputes or real estate matters
• Maintain corporate records, governance matters, and document management

Skills

Commercial transactions

Contract negotiations

Procurement

Real estate

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Tools

MS Office (Word)

Job description

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career.

Why The Kendall Group

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We’re that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success.

Role Summary

The Corporate Counsel, reporting to the Executive Vice President & General Counsel, partners with the Company’s legal team and business leaders to support the Company’s business objectives and ensure the Company’s legal, compliance and risk management functions operate smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. The Corporate Counsel understands that strong legal departments are most effective when they are approachable and solution focused and their work is practical, pragmatic and business oriented. The Corporate Counsel works collaboratively with leaders and teams throughout the company to provide timely, business-focused legal support related to commercial transactions, operational matters, corporate policies, and other legal issues impacting the organization. This role requires a broad range of legal skills, including demonstrated proficiency in commercial transactions as well as the ability to support legal matters involving disputes, claims, investigations, real estate and outside counsel coordination as needed.

Exciting work you will do

This Corporate Counsel is a generalist position. You will be expected to handle a broad range of legal matters in a variety of areas. The essential duties and responsibilities of the Corporate Counsel position will consist of, but are not limited to the following:

• Partner closely with business leaders and cross-functional counterparts to support the Company’s business objectives
• Partner with business leaders to provide thoughtful legal guidance and practical business advice on a broad range of legal and compliance matters
• Review, draft, negotiate, and interpret a variety of commercial agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, service agreements, and other business-related contracts
• Support the company’s compliance efforts by assisting with the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, procedures, and training initiatives
• Identify legal risks and recommend practical solutions that align with company objectives
• Assist with legal support related to business transactions, operational initiatives, and strategic projects
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries, recommendations, and guidance on applicable laws and regulations
• Support dispute resolution efforts, including claims management, negotiations, mediation, litigation support, and coordination with outside counsel when needed
• Assist with corporate governance matters, document management, and maintenance of legal records
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the Company and communicate relevant updates to leadership
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments including Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Sales, Safety, Information Technology, and Supply Chain
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to legal operations, contract processes, compliance procedures, and risk management practices
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Competencies you possess

• Business Insight
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
• Balances Stakeholders
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Communicates Effectively
• Collaborates
• Courage
• Drives Results
• Instills Trust
• Ensures Accountability
• Resourcefulness
• Action Oriented
• Instills Trust

What you’ll need

• Work Experience: 3 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance and/or real estate; proven track record of confronting and successfully resolving complex legal and commercial matters with significant financial and business impact; experience counseling business leaders on a variety of issues including commercial matters, contract negotiations, procurement-related matters, real estate, and best practices for corporate policies and procedures; demonstrated ability to recognize and weigh business and legal risks and advance innovative solutions
• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school, licensed and in good standing to practice law with at least one state bar
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Strong understanding of contract law, corporate legal principles, and regulatory compliance; Ability to analyze legal issues, assess risk, and provide practical business-oriented recommendations; experience working with MS Office with a heavy emphasis on Microsoft Word; ability to collaborate with and engage additional commercial or technical resources when appropriate; strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; strong business acumen
• Organization Skills: Highly organized and detail-oriented; ability manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, continuously evolving, and at times challenging environment; ability to operate in a fast-paced and congenial work environment
• Cross-functional skills: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, work diplomatically, be approachable and foster relationships with individuals at all levels including Kendall Owner-Associates, customers, vendors and outside counsel; a team player with an open, mature and positive personality who collaborates effectively with others; approachable, solution focused, and proactive legal counselor and business partner
• Communication Skills: Highly developed written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts; excellent negotiation, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. Ability to see, talk and hear. Ability to sit for 8 hours a day.
• Travel: willing to travel; including occasional overnight travel

Qualifications we prefer but do not require

• Work Experience: 5 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance and/or real estate

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.