Description:
Job Description:An American Manufacturer and Distributor of Gym Equipment Company is seeking an experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead our legal team and provide expert guidance on all legal matters. As the chief legal officer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our growth, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks in a dynamic manufacturing and e-commerce environment. This is an executive-level position where you'll collaborate closely with senior leadership to drive business objectives while upholding the highest standards of integrity and legal excellence.
In this role, you will report directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all legal affairs, including corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements, such as supplier contracts, distribution deals, sponsorships, and licensing arrangements.
- Advise executive team and board on legal risks, business strategies, and emerging issues in the fitness industry, manufacturing, and international trade.
- Manage external counsel and legal service providers to ensure cost-effective and efficient support.
- Develop and implement compliance programs, including data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), product safety standards, and environmental regulations.
- Handle intellectual property matters, including trademarks, patents, and brand protection for An American Manufacturer and Distributor of Gym Equipment Company's innovative products.
- Lead risk management initiatives, including insurance coverage, dispute resolution, and crisis response.
- Foster a culture of legal awareness across the organization through training and policy development.
- Stay abreast of legal trends in manufacturing, consumer goods, and sports/fitness sectors to proactively support business growth.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the Ohio State Bar (or eligible for admission).
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior in-house counsel role, preferably in manufacturing, consumer products, or a related industry.
- Proven expertise in corporate law, contracts, IP, compliance, and risk management.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing legal teams or external partners.
- Passion for fitness and alignment with An American Manufacturer and Distributor of Gym Equipment Company's mission to empower athletes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the lifestyle brand, fitness, sports, and/or e-commerce sectors.
- Familiarity with international trade, supply chain, and manufacturing regulations.
- Prior experience in a high-growth company or startup environment.
- Advanced certifications or training in areas like data privacy or corporate governance.
By applying to An American Manufacturer and Distributor of Gym Equipment Company, regardless of the platform you choose to use, you are agreeing to An American Manufacturer and Distributor of Gym Equipment Company's preferred methods of communication (i.e. text message). Submitting an application, through whatever online forum is ultimately used, constitutes a knowing and voluntary agreement to send and receive text messages during the recruitment process.