LEGAL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

East Penn Manufacturing - Lyons, PA

Full-time

Lyons, PA

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Legal Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in enhancing the operational success of the Legal Department by developing and implementing strategic processes and practices aimed at improving day-to-day efficiency and effectiveness. This position is pivotal in driving key initiatives that increase operational efficiencies within the department, which includes the implementation of policies, processes, and technologies designed to enhance the overall value of the Legal Department. The specialist will collaborate closely with members of the Legal Department and various business partners to continuously identify and lead process improvement initiatives that align with the department's strategic goals. In this role, the Legal Operations Specialist will be responsible for identifying and analyzing data from both the Legal Department and third-party systems to drive continuous improvement and measure success against established strategic initiatives. The specialist will prepare comprehensive reports, models, and analyses that will be utilized by the Legal Department and its business partners to inform decision-making and enhance operational performance. A significant aspect of this role involves supporting the development and ongoing improvement of a contract management process, ensuring that it meets the needs of all stakeholders involved. Additionally, the specialist will facilitate and manage the sourcing, negotiation, selection, and performance evaluation of law firms and external service providers. This includes overseeing the onboarding process for these firms and vendors while closely managing associated budgets. The Legal Operations Specialist will also work in tandem with business partners on various projects and initiatives, providing recommendations on best practices and opportunities for legal support. The role requires the specialist to perform and manage special projects and tasks as assigned by the Vice President of Legal. Under the guidance of the Vice President, the specialist will oversee the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures, including training programs. Furthermore, the specialist will provide day-to-day legal support for compliance, insurance, real estate, and M&A matters, and will act as a backup for paralegal support, assisting with the tracking and maintenance of records related to litigation and commercial contracts, as well as drafting and reviewing NDAs and customer ESG surveys as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with members of the Legal Department and business partners to continuously seek out and lead process improvement initiatives.
• Identify data within the Legal Department and third-party systems that can be used to drive continuous improvement and to measure success against Legal Department strategic initiatives.
• Prepare reports, models, and analyses of data for the Legal Department and business partners.
• Support the development and continued improvement of a contract management process with a focus on stakeholders' needs.
• Facilitate and manage the process for sourcing, negotiating, selection and performance of law firms and external service providers, leading to onboarding of law firms and vendors and close management of budgets.
• Work closely with business partners on additional projects/initiatives and make recommendations on best practices and legal support opportunities.
• Perform and manage special projects, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President, Legal.
• Oversee the development and implementation of department policies and procedures including training programs, with guidance from the Vice President, Legal.
• Provide the day-to-day legal support for compliance, insurance, real estate, and M&A matters.
• Act as back-up Paralegal Support: assist with tracking and maintaining records related to litigation and commercial contracts; drafting and review of NDAs and customer ESG surveys, as needed.

Requirements

• 2-4 years of significant and substantive experience in an in-house legal department is required, but law firm or corporate operations experience may be considered.
• Significant experience in process efficiency and project management.
• Experience in workflow automation tools such as eBilling and contract management systems.
• High-school degree required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred; a combination of equivalent level of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with senior executives and demonstrated track record of influencing senior level stakeholders.
• Advanced investigative, research, information collection, and information management skills.