Assistant General Counsel

Job Classification

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Houston, TX Office

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: General Counsel and Compliance Officer

Job Summary

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal support and counsel to the General Counsel, department heads, and other stakeholders for the Pan American Region. This role involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, managing legal matters, overseeing the work of outside counsel, and ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. The Assistant General Counsel serves as a key contributor to the legal and management team, helping to minimize risk and protect the company's interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the General Counsel in managing the company's legal affairs and mitigating legal risks;
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, and NDAs;
• Conduct legal research and provide counsel on regulatory and compliance matters;
• Support compliance efforts by helping develop, track, monitor, audit, and enforce policies and procedures;
• Handle specific litigation and claims matters, coordinate with and oversee the activities of outside counsel, and support dispute resolution;
• Monitor changes in legislation, caselaw, and regulations, assess their impact on the business, and revise or adopt company practices accordingly;
• Track and manage the department's legal spend and other KPIs;
• Provide training to stakeholders on relevant legal topics such as compliance and risk management;
• Collaborate with other departments to align legal strategies with business objectives;
• Prepare reports on department goals, activities, progress and other measurables as directed;
• Participate in internal investigations and risk assessments.

NOTE: This job description represents the essential functions of the position but is not all-inclusive. Additional duties reasonably related to the position may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school;
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing;
• 4-7 years of legal experience, preferably in a corporate legal department or reputable law firm;
• Extensive experience in contract negotiations;
• Strong knowledge of corporate, compliance, and contract law;
• Experience in (a) the heavy equipment industry, (b) commercial transactions in Latin America, or (c) intellectual property are pluses but not required;
• Excellent communication, research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High ethical standards and a team-oriented approach.

Core Competencies

• Legal & Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of corporate, contract, and compliance law.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Applies critical reasoning and sound judgment to assess complex legal and business situations, identify risks, and propose effective, compliant solutions.
• Communication & Influence: Conveys complex legal information clearly to both legal and non-legal audiences. Strong negotiation, drafting, and presentation skills that build trust and influence stakeholders.
• Business & Strategic Acumen: Understands the company's commercial objectives and aligns legal strategies to support operational and financial goals. Balances legal risk with practical business solutions.
• Ethics & Integrity: Demonstrates high ethical standards, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information and making legal decisions that reflect company values.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Works effectively with internal departments, leadership, and external counsel to ensure cohesive legal support across the organization. Builds credibility and fosters teamwork.

Pay Range

Estimated Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 annually (DOE)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting of items up to 10 pounds may be necessary. The role requires the ability to move throughout the organization's facilities to access various departments and resources. Visual acuity—including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception—is required, along with the ability to adjust focus and observe details at close range. Strong communication skills are essential to convey and exchange accurate information with others effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO) Statement

Tadano provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.