Associate General Counsel

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world’s most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers.

Based in beautiful and affordable Racine, Wisconsin, at our Headquarters on the shore of Lake Michigan, you’ll have incredible access to a variety of outdoor activities whether skiing and snowmobiling in winter, or kayaking, fishing, sailing, hiking or more in summer.

Are you an experienced in-house counsel within the manufacturing sector? We are looking for an Associate General Counsel to help navigate complex legal landscapes and drive our global success ensuring compliance, managing risk and supporting strategic initiatives. If you're ready to make a significant impact and work with a team that values integrity and forward-thinking, we want to hear from you. Apply now and be a part of our journey towards excellence!

About the Role:

The person in this role provides legal advice and counsel to business leaders and cross-functional teams on a variety of areas, such as corporate transactions, commercial transactions, regulatory compliance and related training (e.g., competition, FCPA, export control, trade compliance, privacy and data protection), conflicts of interest, distribution, advertising and promotions, product safety/quality, and mergers and acquisition. Additionally, at the direction of legal leadership, assists with the organization’s corporate governance, SEC/financial reporting, internal investigations, and special projects.

What you will be doing:

• Partners globally with business unit and functional leadership/staff such as finance, human resources, research and development, operations, etc. on a variety of business and legal matters.
• Assists with the preparation of reports, opinions, correspondence, and other legal documents necessary for the operation of the organization.
• Analyzes and researches statutes, regulations, and legal issues to ensure required regulatory and legal requirements are followed.
• Assists with the development and implementation of company policies and procedures, including training, and periodic monitoring.
• Assists with the development of appropriate compliance and regulatory monitoring in partnership with internal audit and external legal counsel for international businesses.
• Assists with oversight, identification, and prioritization of key risks for the organization across the globe.
• Assists with pre-litigation work to minimize risks and maximize legal rights.
• Assists with management of outside counsel to represent the organization in important litigation cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Assists in developing of budgets, and ensures budgets are managed within approved guidelines.
• Assists in developing departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris doctor awarded by a national law school accredited by the American Bar Association; licensed to practice in Wisconsin or eligible to waive in.
• Requires a minimum of 10 years of experience which must include functioning as a practicing attorney at a regional or national level law firm and serving as in-house counsel for a minimum of 2 years.
• Knowledge and experience in transactional law, specifically related to sales, distribution, manufacturing, business development, M&A, technology licensing, and contracted services.
• Excellent business and financial acumen to understand the business effect of decisions made.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to successfully mediate difficult and controversial issues.
• Demonstrated strong and effective leadership skills.
• Experienced and comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment.
• Proficient at analyzing laws, regulations, standards, governing documents, contracts, risk management issues and matters to advise the organization on legal risk.
• Skilled at performing legal research, drafting, and editing various legal documents.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A few pointers about our culture:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones!
• We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about inspiring people to actively engage with the amazing awe of the outdoors.
• We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands.
• We value diversity and team members who are willing to wear multiple hats.

What you will receive:

• Share in the company’s success - Competitive base salary, with additional earning potential through participation in the annual discretionary cash profit sharing program.
• Find your work/life balance with generous paid time off and holiday benefits.
• Further your career with training opportunities including our tuition assistance program.
• Plan for your future with our 401k with company match and deferred retirement contributions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors (and all subsidiaries) without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law.

About Us:

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors.