Vice President, Legal Affairs

ABOUT THE TEPA COMPANIES

Established in 2005 and owned by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, The Tepa Companies deliver comprehensive and sustainable solutions to federal, state, local and private-sector clients throughout the United States. The tribally owned companies work independently and collaboratively to provide wide-ranging construction, engineering, environmental, industrial, staffing and technology services.

When you join Tepa Companies, you have the opportunity to expand your entrepreneurial skill set while growing professionally alongside the best in the industry. You will have the opportunity to impact your team, the organization as a whole and subsequently, our Tribe. 

We seek out top talent to provide the best services for our clients. We focus on being a responsible company for our employees and their families by creating a culture that reflects our core values and offering competitive pay and benefits package. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off and holidays, 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, flexible spending and health savings account, mental health support and resources, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

LOCATION: This is a hybrid position requiring regular in-office presence in Kansas City, MO or Orlando, FL.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Tepa Companies are seeking an Vice President, Legal Affairs serves as a pivotal leader within the organization, overseeing the comprehensive management of contractual agreements and various legal matters. As a Vice President of Legal Affairs, you will be instrumental in guiding the company's acquisition strategies, ensuring legal compliance across all operations, and fostering strong relationships with external legal partners. You will also support project teams with legal insights, managing board documentation, and contributing to the overall corporate governance framework. 

Job Functions:

• Leads the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of contracts, including prime contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, design agreements, joint venture agreements, teaming agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and letters of intent, ensuring alignment with company policies and risk management strategies.
• Develops, maintains, and updates standardized contract templates and clauses to reflect current legal standards, company specific operations and company risk postures, facilitating efficient contract creation and execution processes.
• Conducts thorough reviews of new contracts and redlines of existing templates, exercising professional discretion to make informed decisions, and engaging external legal counsel and other partners when specialized expertise is required.
• Provides strategic legal guidance to project teams on contractual and other legal matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and supporting the successful execution of projects.
• Leads the legal aspects of acquisition projects, including due diligence, contract negotiations, and integration efforts, to support the company's growth and strategic objectives.
• Collaborates with external attorneys on project-specific issues and general legal matters, including contract advice and dispute resolution, to ensure comprehensive legal support.
• Assists with entity management and compliance activities as requested, providing support to ensure adherence to jurisdictional requirements and maintenance of corporate records.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of corporate compliance programs, policies, and training initiatives, promoting a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
• Takes accurate and timely minutes during board or other meeting at the request of the CEO, ensuring proper documentation of discussions and decisions in accordance with corporate governance standards.
• Monitors and analyze changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards, advising stakeholders on potential impacts and necessary adjustments to company policies and practices.
• Develops and delivers training sessions to staff on contract management, legal compliance, and related topics, enhancing organizational understanding and adherence to legal requirements.
• Maintains organized and accessible records of contracts and legal documents, ensuring proper documentation and facilitating efficient retrieval and reference.
• Identifies and mitigates potential legal risks associated with contracts and business operations, providing proactive solutions to minimize exposure and protect company interests.
• Collaborates with internal departments, including finance & accounting, operations, and human resources, to ensure legal considerations are integrated into contracts and processes.
• Stays informed about industry trends and best practices in contract management and legal affairs, applying relevant insights to enhance the company's legal operations.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 3+ years’ experience in contract management, legal affairs, or a related field, preferably within the construction, engineering, or environmental services industries
• Demonstrated experience in acquisition projects and complex contractual negotiations
• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional discretion and make informed decisions independently, while collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders and external counsel
• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with the capacity to manage complex contractual discussions and resolve disputes amicably
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to assess legal risks, interpret complex legal documents, and provide strategic advice
• High emotional intelligence and cultural competence, enabling effective communication and relationship-building across diverse teams and clients 
• Proficient in time management and prioritization, capable of handling multiple high-stakes tasks under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, fostering a cooperative work environment and guiding cross-functional teams
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of legal developments

 Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans