James Hardie Industries is the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions. We employ a diverse global workforce of approximately 4,800 employees across operations in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, and generated more than $2.9 billion in net sales during our 2021 financial year. We believe that home is a sanctuary and a canvas for self-expression without compromise. As the trusted innovator and industry leader in the markets where we operate, James Hardie empowers homeowners and building professionals alike to achieve their dream home with premium, quality solutions that enable endless possibilities for design and aesthetics, while also delivering trusted protection and long-lasting beauty.
Job Summary
The Senior Legal Counsel Corporate Securities will provide legal advice and counsel regarding corporate securities, governance and legal entity maintenance global public company that is domiciled in Ireland and listed on the ASX and NYSE. This role will also provide legal support to internal leaders, including all finance teams, and the Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legal and strategic counsel on a wide range of issues to various internal teams
Protect the brand and reputation of the company by acting as a primary point of contact for legal counsel and securities advice
Act as subject matter expert and guide leadership to assist the company in meeting its requirements under U.S. Securities laws in addition to listing requirements on the ASX and reporting requirements under Irish Company Law
Assist in matters of corporate governance and certain transactional matters such as merger and acquisition transactions, transactions involving the company’s debt facilities and commercial agreements involving the company’s banking, advisory and securities listing and management arrangements
Advise on the listing and disclosure requirements of the ASX and Irish company law
Counsel leader on SEC rules and regulations, quarterly and annual SEC filings, proxies, disclosure obligations, public offerings, underwriting and other securities law matters
Provide advice and counsel relative to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, including independence of auditors and other governance concerns under the rules of the NYSE and SEC regulations
Maintain oversight to the preparation of ASX and SEC documents and filings as well as Board of Directors and internal governance materials
Advise leadership on corporate governance issues
Support investor relations, including reviewing management presentations to investors.
Negotiate and manage merger and acquisition transactions, including due diligence and drafting agreements, and a variety of commercial agreements including debt facilities and agreements involving banking, advisory and securities listing and management arrangements
Provide counsel on matters relating to corporate communications, including reviewing communications to employees and investors.
Provide counsel to leader on international securities registration issues, including the principles governing a listing on the ASX
Manage relationships with ASIC and the Irish Takeover Panel
Draft contracts and agreements in any legal space and support leaders with other necessary documentation
Remain current on industry developments and educate leadership regarding relevant regulations as well as rules and filing requirements impacting the company
Monitor, review and partner with colleagues globally on key regulatory issues and trends in the securities space
Provide support to the Corporate Secretary, e.g., preparation for and conduct of board and stockholder meetings and the preparation of appropriate minutes and resolutions
Desired Education & Experience
Juris Doctor degree with excellent academic credentials from a respected law school
Licensed to practice law in one of the 50 states; ability to waive into Illinois bar
Minimum eight years of experience of professional legal experience at a large law firm or at a large, public, global corporation required
Minimum five years of corporate securities and corporate governance experience, including counseling business leaders on SEC rules and regulations, corporate governance issues and SOX
Desired Skills
Personal and professional integrity required
Superior intellect, with the ability to think critically and make clear and well-reasoned decisions
Strong business sense with ability to identify understand issues, problems, and opportunities and effectively chose a course of action or develop appropriate solutions
Confident team player who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment where one’s recommendations may be challenged by highly intelligent and knowledgeable colleagues
Someone down to earth who is motivated by the opportunity to become fully integrated with the business
Appreciative of partnerships across the globe who is comfortable working with colleagues from different cultures and has an appreciation of cultural difference
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships over large geographic and time differences
Able to find creative solutions to complex legal problems while maintaining the Company’s legal and ethical responsibilities
Operates with the highest level of integrity and elevates issues to senior management when needed.
Communicates in a clear, concise, understandable manner, both orally and in writing; ability to convey complex legal issues in a manner useful to management
Ability to influence and gain commitment across different interpersonal styles
Has a high level of energy, enthusiasm and motivation, along with the skills to help make the company successful
Ability to travel 20%
Disclaimer
This job description provides general information about the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. Nothing in this job descriptions restricts management’s right to modify these duties and responsibilities at any time. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment or modify your status as an at-will employee.
