VP, Associate General Counsel, Merger & Acquisitions

About the role

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead M&A Transactions End-to-End

• Oversee legal support for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments globally

• Guide deals from initial strategy and due diligence through execution and post-close integration

• Structure transactions to align with business, financial, and legal objectives

• Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Advise senior leadership on risks, deal structures, and regulatory implications

• Identify legal issues early and develop mitigation strategies

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards

• Due Diligence Oversight

• With Corporate Development, lead legal due diligence for target companies and transactions

• Coordinate with internal teams (finance, tax, HR, compliance) and external counsel

• Evaluate contractual, litigation, regulatory, and operational risks

• Drafting & Negotiation

• Structure, draft, and negotiate:

• Purchase agreements
• Joint venture and partnership agreements
• NDAs and ancillary deal documents
• Lead negotiations with counterparties and external legal teams

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Tax, Treasury, HR, and Compliance teams

• Align legal strategy with broader corporate growth and integration efforts

• Manage External Counsel & Budgets

• Select and oversee outside counsel

• Manage legal spend and ensure efficient execution of transactions

• Post-Merger Integration

• Provide legal guidance on integration planning and execution

• Ensure alignment of governance, contracts, and regulatory obligations post-close

• Leadership & Team Development

• Collaborate with legal team members supporting M&A activities

• Build scalable processes, playbooks, and best practices for transactions

• Track record of effectively counseling and influencing senior executives

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to at least one state bar

• Typically 10–12+ years of M&A legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)

• Deep expertise in:

• Corporate law

• M&A transactions (public/private)

• Deal structuring and negotiation

• Identified legal issues and developed mitigation strategies

• Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking – Aligns legal advice with business growth objectives

• Negotiation expertise – Drives favorable outcomes in high-value transactions

• Risk assessment – Identifies and mitigates legal exposure

• Project management – Manages multiple complex deals simultaneously

• Stakeholder influence – Engages executives and cross-functional partners

• Communication – Excellent written and verbal skills for legal and business audiences

• Team focus – Works effectively with others in the Legal Department and across functions to achieve company objectives

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time

• Salary Range: $275,000 - $325,000

• Bonus Eligible

• Equity Eligible

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options

• Eligible for Flexible Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.