Director, Legal

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading global construction brand trusted for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. With over 65 years in business, we are a family-owned company operating in over 100 countries, recognized as one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it through innovation, integrity, and teamwork.

About the role

The Director, Legal will serve as the sole in-house legal advisor for Laticrete International and its affiliates, reporting directly to the CFO. This position will oversee the company’s legal affairs, manage external counsel, and provide strategic legal guidance on corporate, regulatory, and operational matters. The role requires close collaboration with U.S. and international teams, sensitivity to diverse legal systems and cultures, and the ability to balance risk management with business agility. This is a remote position with approximately 25% global travel, including multi-day and international trips.

Responsibilities

• Corporate & Business Law:
  • Oversee corporate governance, including board meetings and shareholder communications.
  • Manage legal matters associated with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and other strategic business transactions.
  • Advise on corporate structure and reorganizations as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
  • Ensure adherence to relevant local, state, federal, and international laws, as well as industry regulations.
  • Monitor changes in laws and regulations that could impact the company and ensure compliance across all business units.
  • Identify and mitigate potential legal risks affecting the business in collaboration with the Enterprise Risk and Audit Director.
• Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Insurance:
  • Manage all litigation, claims, investigations, and dispute resolution matters worldwide.
  • Select, retain, and manage external counsel, controlling legal spend and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective representation.
  • Develop litigation strategy, settlement approaches, and risk assessments in coordination with senior leadership.
  • Oversee insurance programs, claims management, and coverage matters in partnership with Finance and Risk.
• Contract Negotiation & Review:
  • Draft and review contracts and licenses with customers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Employment & Labor Law:
  • Advise HR and management on employment law matters, including employee relations, discipline, terminations, compensation, and benefits.
  • Support compliance with wage and hour laws, discrimination and harassment laws, immigration, and workplace safety regulations.
• Intellectual Property & Technology:
  • Oversee protection, development, and enforcement of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
  • Support R&D, innovation, and product development initiatives with IP strategy and risk management.
  • Advise on technology agreements, data privacy, cybersecurity, AI usage, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Coordinate global IP strategy with external counsel and international teams.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Bar membership in good standing.
  • 10+ years of corporate legal experience, preferably with at least two years at a law firm and the majority as in-house experience.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a sole or lead in-house counsel in a global organization (highly preferred).
  • Experience in a global manufacturing company selling through distribution is preferred.
  • Experience in the chemical industry and/or building products is a plus.
  • International experience, as well as experience in acquiring and divesting companies, is a plus.
• Specialized Skills and Experience:
  • Broad experience across corporate, commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, employment, IP, litigation, and compliance law.
  • Strong understanding of product liability, regulatory compliance, EHS, and manufacturing risk profiles.
  • Strong knowledge of corporate law and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience working with employment law and partnering with Human Resources.
  • Experience managing mergers and acquisitions (highly preferred).
  • Experience drafting and reviewing major and critical contracts, including customer agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, licensing agreements, and employment contracts.
  • Proven ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice to senior and mid-level management.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage external legal counsel and legal budgets effectively.
  • Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ethical standards.
  • Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for business leaders.
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, advise, and partner at the senior leadership and Board level.
  • Experienced in defining and defending intellectual property.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance, AD&D, and supplemental insurance

Pay

The expected base salary range for this position is $230,000 to $290,000. This range does not include bonuses or other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, education, skills, work location, and other job-related factors.