Vice President and General Counsel

Operating within broad guidelines established by the CEO of ABS Group and Executive Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary, the Vice President and General Counsel of ABS Group serves as the chief legal adviser of the Company and leads corporate transactions (including M&A), corporate governance, and other corporate legal and commercial contract matters. The position manages a small legal department, counsels management on the legal implications of all company activities and liabilities to the Company, provides for legal services as required in judicial proceedings, and obtains the services of outside counsel as required to complement available internal legal resources. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, solve problems creatively, prioritize relentlessly, exercise business judgment soundly, and operate with a sense of urgency to get things done.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborates with other senior executives to develop short- and long-range strategic and business plans for ABSG worldwide including ensuring legal compliance with organic and inorganic growth initiatives including mergers and acquisitions.
• Writes, reviews, negotiates, interprets, and manages all legal contracts and documents to ensure they meet all legal requirements and are written in the best interest of ABS and affiliated companies.
• Counsels management on the legal implications of all Company activities and potential liabilities.
• Advises the executive management team on new laws, existing laws and legal rights that would impact functionality of the business.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures designed to protect the assets of ABS and to ensure the Company and its subsidiaries comply with all international, local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintains familiarity with the company’s operations and keeps records of registrations, business licenses and other legal documents.
• Supervises outside counsel and crafts/reviews legal strategy in response to litigation and otherwise provides legal services as required in judicial proceedings.
• Prepares an operating budget for the Legal Department and ensures the Legal Department is organized, staffed and operated to protect the interests of ABS and affiliated companies. 
• Makes changes to the organization, staffing or budgets as conditions warrant and with the approval of the CEO of ABS Group.
• Obtains the services of outside counsel as required to complement available internal legal resources. Reviews their activities to ensure they meet standards as established by ABS and affiliated companies. 
• Coordinates with the ABS Group Vice President of Finance to ensure that the risk management and loss prevention programs protect the corporation assets to the maximum extent possible.
• Provides corporate governance support, including taking and drafting Board meeting minutes, preparing written consents and resolutions, and otherwise assisting in managing the corporate books and records.
• Accountable and responsible for the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environment (HSQE) Management System by working with other senior executives to oversee the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the program.
• Accountable and responsible for the Delegation of Authority (DOA) process and governance for the company. 
• Serves as secretary of the Board of Directors during board meetings.  Records and publishes minutes of meetings.  Manages board resolution creation and approval. 
• Integrates with and supports the broader legal team across the ABS enterprise as needed. 
• Supports M&A transactions, from strategic fit through diligence and integration, by providing strategic advice and legal counsel relative to the transaction. 

What You Will Need:

Education and Experience 

• J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited institution. 
• 15 or more years of legal experience in corporate law with an emphasis on contracts and mergers and acquisitions.
• Significant experience in M&A, commercial contracts, and governance. 

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• The ability to negotiate detailed, sensitive legal issues with clients and other interested parties.
• Broad knowledge of all aspects of the legal field, including litigations, corporate law and labor law, to advise employees on a variety of subjects.
• Strong focus on M&A; must be able to take on the role of lead M&A counsel, providing leadership and/or support for all elements of transactions, including structuring, overall due diligence, documentation, and coordinating signing and closing.
• The human relations skills necessary to organize and manage the activities of other attorneys and managers.
• Experience in a Quality Management System.
• Working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System.

Reporting Relationships:

The Vice President & General Counsel reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of ABS Group and serves as a strategic adviser to executive leadership and the Board of Directors. 

About UsWe set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.
ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.
About Our Benefits
ABS Group proudly offers a variety of industry-leading benefits designed to enhance the life and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical insurance (PPO and HD), dental and vision insurance, Health Savings account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability leave programs, parental leave program, paid holidays, and paid vacation time. The Company provides an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers additional support in personal wellness, including work-life services. ABS Group also offers a 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements.
Equal Opportunity
The ABS Group of Companies is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.
Notice
ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.
Other
This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs