Job Summary:
Sea Box, Inc. is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Associate Counsel to join its growing corporate legal department. This position reports to the General Counsel and serves as a strategic legal advisor supporting executive leadership across commercial, government contracting, compliance, risk management, and corporate operations.
The Senior Associate Counsel will provide legal guidance on complex commercial transactions, U.S. Government contracts, regulatory compliance matters, and enterprise risk mitigation. This role requires substantial experience reviewing and negotiating sophisticated agreements, interpreting federal procurement regulations, advising senior leadership, and managing legal exposure in a fast-paced manufacturing and defense contracting environment.
The ideal candidate possesses strong business acumen, exceptional analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally with executive leadership, finance, operations, program management, and sales teams. Experience with government contracting, manufacturing operations, FAR/DFARS compliance, and corporate governance is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities:
Legal & Contractual Support
Lead the review, drafting, negotiation, and administration of complex commercial and government contracts, including:
Customer agreements
Master service agreements
NDAs
Teaming agreements
Subcontracts
Purchase order terms and conditions
Licensing agreements
Lease agreements
Settlement agreements
Strategic partnership agreements
Analyze solicitation requirements, contractual obligations, and regulatory risks associated with commercial and federal government opportunities.
Advise management on legal, contractual, and compliance risks throughout the proposal, negotiation, execution, and closeout phases of contracts.
Interpret and provide guidance regarding FAR, DFARS, ITAR, export control, and related federal procurement regulations.
Support contract disputes, claims, investigations, and litigation management in coordination with outside counsel.
Develop and implement contract review standards, legal templates, policies, and internal controls to improve efficiency and reduce organizational risk.
Strategic Advisory & Compliance
Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership including the CEO, President, COO, CFO, and senior operational leaders.
Provide legal counsel regarding corporate governance, ethics, compliance, risk management, and operational matters.
Assist in maintaining and strengthening corporate compliance programs and internal policies.
Support internal and external audits, investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
Monitor and advise leadership on evolving legal and regulatory developments impacting government contractors and manufacturers.
Assist with employment-related matters, corporate transactions, insurance matters, and intellectual property issues as needed.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate with finance, operations, engineering, supply chain, and business development teams to support strategic initiatives and operational objectives.
Mentor junior staff and assist in developing legal and contractual best practices across the organization.
Promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce legal exposure, and enhance profitability.
Quality & Safety
Support the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and Sea Box Quality Policy through accountability and process compliance.
Actively identify, report, and assist in correcting safety hazards to maintain a safe workplace environment.
Ensure compliance with the Company's Corporate Ethics Policy and all applicable laws and regulations.
Additional Responsibilities
Manage relationships with outside legal counsel and external consultants.
Participate in strategic business initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as required to support departmental and organizational objectives.
Requirements & Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the New Jersey Bar, or admission in another state with eligibility for New Jersey reciprocity.
Minimum of 610 years of combined experience in commercial contracting, government contracts, corporate law, or related legal practice.
Strong knowledge of:
o FAR/DFARS
o UCC and commercial contracting principles
o Government procurement regulations
o Contract negotiation and risk allocation
o Corporate compliance and ethics programs
Experience supporting manufacturing, defense, aerospace, logistics, or government contracting organizations strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex legal matters and competing priorities.
Exceptional written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail.
Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
Experience managing outside counsel and external legal resources preferred.
Familiarity with audit procedures, financial reporting concepts, and operational compliance programs preferred.
Why Work for Sea Box?
We offer comprehensive benefits to our full-time employees including:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, and Jury Duty
401(k) with Company Match
Employee Referral Program
Employees are eligible for most benefits on the first day of the month following date of hire.
Salary Range
$185,000 $210,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)