Director, Legal (Overland Park)

Job Description

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty?

Company Overview

LATICRETE International is a leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We have been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and operate in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal named us one of Connecticut’s top family‑owned companies in 2017.

We aim to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it, connecting with employees, customers, partners, and communities.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

Position Summary

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 oversees the company’s legal affairs, manages external counsel, and provides strategic legal guidance on corporate, regulatory, and operational matters. Additionally, the role works closely with senior leadership to support growth while managing risk and ensuring compliance.

This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and a pragmatic, entrepreneurial mindset within a family‑owned business with professional governance. The role interacts with U.S. and international teams and is remote, requiring global travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary.

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

• In collaboration with the Enterprise Risk and Audit Director, ensure the company’s adherence to relevant local, state, and federal laws and 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.

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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership in good standing.
• 10+ years of corporate legal experience, preferable 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 global manufacturing company selling through distribution is preferred. Experience in chemical industry and/or building products is a plus. International experience is also a plus, as well as previous experiences in acquiring and divesting companies.

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, 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

• 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.

Travel Requirement

Approximately 25%—including multi-day trips and international travel. Travel may be more depending on business need.