Senior Commercial Counsel - Go To Market

Senior Commercial Counsel This position plays a pivotal role as a legal advisor, offering expert counsel on challenging commercial legal issues, particularly complex customer‑facing transactions across North America. The successful candidate will be a qualified attorney with strong business experience, in‑house legal experience in the IT sector (software and multiplatform environments, including on‑premises, native SaaS, and hybrid solutions), and proficiency in utilizing AI tools as part of their legal responsibilities. Responsibilities Advise senior leaders within business units and cross‑functional teams on legal risks, compliance, and business strategy consistent with company standards and playbooks. Lead legal support for complex sales transactions across multiple product lines and platforms (on‑premises, native SaaS, and hybrid solutions) and various formats (direct and indirect – ISVs, OEMs, resellers). Communicate complex legal concepts and risks clearly to internal audiences and represent Progress’ position to external parties. Anticipate potential conflicts or objections and influence peers or senior staff. Identify strategic areas for training and enablement of sales and other internal partners, focusing on opportunities to improve efficiency and outcomes in customer transactions. Proactively design, develop, and deliver advanced training programs, guidance, and enablement tools tailored to business unit needs. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, licensing, reseller, partner, and professional services contracts. Lead benchmarking initiatives and analyze complex customer interactions to propose innovative updates that streamline negotiations, enhance business outcomes, and keep Progress at the forefront of industry best practices. Work closely with stakeholders to facilitate deal velocity while managing legal and commercial risk per approved playbooks and strategy. Resolve escalated legal issues with minimal supervision, seeking management input for high‑risk matters. Serve as a subject‑matter expert, providing strategic analysis and anticipating legal risks. Partner with stakeholders across the company, such as Revenue Operations, IT, and Product Managers, to drive deal velocity and compliance. Drive cross‑functional initiatives that improve legal workflows and compliance processes. Recommend best practices to improve internal policy development and governance frameworks. Background Qualified attorney admitted to practice in one or more U.S. states and in good standing with the state bar, with 5+ years of experience as in‑house counsel (law firm experience helpful but not required). Substantial experience in the software licensing industry, including expertise in various licensing models, products and services, enterprise transactions, on‑premises licensing, SaaS/cloud offerings, channels, open source software and software development practices. Working knowledge of data privacy and security requirements. In‑house experience with a publicly traded company and/or demonstrated knowledge of best‑practice internal controls, procedures, risk surveillance, dispute management and escalation. Working knowledge of revenue recognition rules and ability to ensure agreements conform to current revenue recognition rules and company policies. Excellent oral and written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills. Strong negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex legal issues and solutions clearly and to develop credibility at all levels of the organization. Proven analytical, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills. Strong ethical practice and commitment to professional responsibility. Confident, talented, independent and highly motivated with the ability to accept significant responsibility. Positive attitude and self‑starter, excelling in a fast‑paced demanding environment. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently on a wide range of issues and projects under demanding deadlines. Team player, willing to learn from and share experiences with other members of the Progress Legal team. Salary and Bonus Base salary range: $161,500 - $195,000. This position is also eligible to participate in Progress’ performance‑based annual corporate bonus plan. Final base compensation is determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to job‑related skills, education, demonstrable experience, and allowance for future and continued salary growth. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, life & disability, and financial benefits (including 401(k) retirement savings plan). Tuition reimbursement program. Additional voluntary benefits including crucial illness/hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, auto & home insurance, legal, and pet insurance. Competitive salary, bonus and best‑in‑class Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) with a 27‑month lookback. Flexible paid vacation time, paid day off for birthday, and company holidays. A variety of leave plans, including parental leave. Employee assistance program (EAP) and an employee well‑being program focusing on physical, mental, and financial health. #J-18808-Ljbffr Progress Software Corporation