Vice President, Corporate and Commercial Legal
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Role
Eastman is seeking a Vice President, Corporate and Commercial Legal & Assistant General Counsel to lead its commercial and corporate legal team. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the Vice President will play a critical and influential role in delivering the Company’s innovation-driven growth strategy.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the corporate and commercial legal team.
- Contribute to cross-functional teams as a strategic, commercially minded and creative problem-solver and partner.
- Partner with business leaders in developing strategic approaches and in structuring and negotiating a wide range of complex commercial arrangements.
- Develop and enhance scalable contract processes, including best-in-class templates, negotiation playbooks, trainings and policies and drive implementation of legal efficiencies.
- Partner with the business teams to monitor contract performance and manage arising disputes or issues.
- Provide oversight and leadership of corporate matters, including board and shareholder matters, corporate governance policies, securities filings, finance, tax, treasury, M&A, and joint venture matters.
- Ensure efficient and cost-effective use of external counsel.
Experience and Qualifications
- 15+ years of broad legal experience from a combination of both firm and in-house, to include substantial commercial transactional experience, with demonstrated experience navigating innovative legal issues and complex business models in sophisticated corporate settings.
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; active member of at least one U.S. State bar in good standing.
- Extensive experience structuring, drafting and negotiating a wide variety of commercial and corporate transactions.
- Specific experience supporting engineering and construction teams and advising on complex capital projects and related procurement
- Robust management experience leading a team of legal professionals required.
- Chemical sector industry experience is preferred.
- Strong business acumen, creativity, and a commitment to accelerating business while mitigating risk.
- Strong work ethic and ability to manage and progress multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong values-based leadership, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Location
Kingsport, Tennessee corporate headquarters, in a hybrid work environment; relocation available.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
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