General Counsel

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

DESCRIPTION

The Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary (General Counsel) will be located in Houston, Texas, and will serve as a member of the senior executive team at VLS, counseling on issues of overarching importance to the organization and assisting in setting and implementing VLS' overall strategic direction. The successful candidate will define and develop corporate strategies, policies, procedures, and programs, providing counsel and guidance on the legal implications of all matters to the members of the executive management team. He/she will serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO and the Board of Directors and will be responsible for the coordination of all Board activities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The responsibilities of the General Counsel will include:

Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a wide range of commercial agreements, including financing arrangements, in support of various Company teams, including HR, IT, supply chain, IP, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

Provide oversight and legal advice with respect to VLS’ M&A transactions, including structuring transactions, managing the drafting and reviewing of agreements, overseeing due diligence processes, and overseeing and managing post-closing activities.

Actively supervise the development and implementation of compliance policies that will ensure VLS complies with all laws, rules and regulations that apply to VLS’ activities.

Provide legal advice and counseling relating to VLS’ ESG initiatives and activities through collaboration with and support of a variety of internal stakeholders.

Provide counsel and strategic guidance for both the business and legal ramifications of ongoing legal matters, including recommendations related to the use of outside counsel, management of ongoing matters, and specific decisions related to strategy and tactics.

Manage all outside counsel and legal staff and establish procedures for evaluating the quality and cost of services of outside counsel to ensure alignment with overall company strategy and judicious use of resources.

Education

The successful candidate should hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited American law school and be a member in good standing of the Bar.

Ideal Experience

A minimum of 10 to 15 years as a practicing lawyer with experience working in a corporation or law firm.

Leadership and managerial experience.

Experience working with Federal, State, and local agencies on compliance issues, and the possible adoption of new laws and regulations.

Experience directing and managing outside legal counsel.

Other Personal Characteristics

Demonstrated ability to build confidence and trust with key stakeholders in the business through providing counsel that is commercial, pragmatic, and fully compliant with all relevant statutory regulations.

Outstanding interpersonal skills, superior oral and written legal and business communication skills, and an individual who is a true leader, motivator, role model, and above all, an effective manager.

Team-orientation; the ability to get along with diverse professionals; the ability to work with executives and personnel at all levels within the organization.

Self-reliant, a good problem solver and results-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast- paced environment.