Legal Counsel

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Department: Legal

Reports To: General Counsel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Nashville, TN

SVP Worldwide, the world's largest consumer sewing machine company, has an immediate full-time Legal Counsel position available. The company and its three iconic brands - SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING, and PFAFF - have delighted consumers for over 170 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The global sewing machine industry is experiencing renewed growth, expected to grow at 6.7% annually. With a product portfolio inclusive of sewing machines, accessories, notions, garment care products, and software, it is an exciting time to join and grow a career with us!

The global corporate headquarters is located in Nashville, TN (USA) and is supported by regional headquarters/sales offices in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico). Combined with 170+ US retail stores in 36 states, manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, a software development center in Europe, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions, we are proud to reach consumers in more than 25 countries on five continents.

SVP Worldwide continues to weave our culture into the fabric of our team members by living out our core values of Integrity, Trust, Teamwork and Customer Focus. As our industry continues to grow, there are vast opportunities for new team members who share our commitment to delivering the world's finest sewing products, services and overall customer experience. Explore current career openings at SVP Worldwide locations around the world, right here and now.

The Role

The Legal Counsel will work under the direction of the General Counsel and will lead a variety of legal initiatives. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with legal issues related to commercial activities in the areas of sales and marketing. Partnering cross-functionally, the attorney will advise and support on issues involving contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and privacy. SVP will look to the Legal Counsel to proactively ensure the company is well-positioned for operational excellence and future growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide counsel for commercial issues related to global licensing, marketing, sales and e-commerce with a focus on North America, including drafting/revising sales agreements, service agreements and leases; and advising on new promotional activities, contract terminations and litigation risk.

• Working knowledge of (or willingness to learn) data privacy laws in the USA, Canada, APAC and the EU.

• Depending on experience, provide counsel regarding the SVP intellectual property portfolio.

• Promote legal, compliance and risk management best practices throughout the company.

• Ability to contribute to the legal team's ongoing efforts to create, improve and operationalize internal processes, best practices, legal training and commercial templates.

• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and of industry legal standards and best practices.

• Support General Counsel with special projects.

We Offer You:

• A collaborative and engaging team
• The opportunity to learn and enhance your legal skills
• An open mind for new ideas and methodologies

You Bring:

• J.D. and licensed to practice law (and in good standing) in at least one U.S. state
• Three to five years of in-house legal experience supporting a commercial business
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues and risks in terms that business teams can understand
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Action-oriented and problem solving; an individual accustomed to diving into the details of a business
• Perform with high degree of independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills, including the ability to spot issues, and analyze and summarize information
• Excellent written (especially contract drafting), verbal, and communication skills
• The ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business
• Exceptional work ethic and self-directed, with a proactive and engaging approach to working with functional and operational leaders, ensuring that business (including legal risks) are responsibly addressed
• Well organized; capable of executing multiple initiatives simultaneously while consistently focused on getting things done (results oriented)

It Would Be Great If You Have:

• Prior business experience
• Experience in the areas of intellectual property or data privacy, especially global experience
• A passion for sewing

You will need to be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, including:

• Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc as well as have the ability to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time
• Communicate effectively with customers through multiple forms of technology, including telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information
• Required to retrieve or reposition products like sewing machines weighing up to 50 pounds

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Work Environment/Location/Flex Arrangement:

SVP Worldwide offers a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. This position will be hybrid based in our company HQ in Nashville, TN. This role may include domestic and/or international travel up to 10%. Local candidates are preferred. No relocation assistance will be provided.

Why You Will Love Being a Part of the SVP Worldwide Team:

We take care of our team! We offer a competitive benefit package including: multiple health plan options comprised of vision and dental plans, 401k plan, life insurance, disability insurance, pet insurance, parental leave, wellness program, paid holidays, generous employee discounts and paid time off benefits including wellbeing days.

At SVP Worldwide, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to employ a unique workforce that is reflective of our consumers across the globe. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions - while being inclusive of all people.

SVP Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. SVP Worldwide prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, nationality, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other unlawful consideration.

In The News:

In 2021, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity has committed to fully support SVP Worldwide's continued growth and to bring additional financial and operational resources to help accelerate the company's efforts.

Like what you see? Then come "sew" and grow your career with us!

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