Counsel, Customer Contracts
At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. We’re shaping the future of a $8.6T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people. Today, companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to move more than $19B of merchandise across 112 countries a year.
The recent global supply chain crisis has put Flexport center stage as we continue to play a pivotal role in how goods move around the world. At a valuation of $8 billion, we’re experiencing record growth and are proud to have the support of the best investors in the game who believe in our mission, solutions and people. Ready to tackle global challenges that impact business, society, and the environment? Come join us.
The opportunity:
The Legal department is looking for the next addition to our legal team -- a great lawyer who will primarily support the Company’s Sales (Demand) Team in North America to lead the negotiation of various commercial agreements and negotiations with the Company’s customers of its freight, customs, and trade finance products. This role will also support other business units’ commercial needs as necessary (including general commercial contracts and supporting new and expanding operational and product teams).
This role is a great opportunity for someone with a passion for technology, excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.
You will:
- Directly partner with senior sales leaders to lead negotiation of contracts with customers across all industries and segments in the United States who procure the Company’s freight forwarding, customs, and trade finance products and offerings.
- Support customer contract negotiations in our EMEA and APAC regions as needed.
- Support and coach sales teams at all levels on deal structure and contract negotiations.
- Lead commercial contract negotiations for the Company’s trade finance offering, partnering with the Head of our Flexport Capital business.
- Advise a multitude of business teams on risk, negotiating points and agreement structures.
- Collaborate with leadership in Sales, Finance, Risk, Insurance, Compliance, and Operations teams across the Company to close deals.
- Be the central point of contact for any new and updated agreements with customers.
- Support negotiation of commercial contracts of all types with various types of vendors (non-SaaS, G&A, various commercial) as needed to support other members of the commercial legal team.
- Work with our Business Technology and Demand / Sales Teams to aid in building, revising, and improving the current customer contract intake process flow. Conduct internal training as needed.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and business partner across the Company by providing counsel and guidance for accomplishing Flexport’s overall business objectives.
You should have:
- JD and bar admission to practice in any US state.
- 5 + years of professional experience preferably in-house.
- Experience negotiating ocean freight contracts a big plus
- Experience in logistics or transportation and familiarity with applicable liability standards and conventions (COGSA, Montreal, Warsaw, etc) a big plus.
- A solid understanding of commercial contract law.
- The willingness to learn how to negotiate contracts in logistics, international trade, shipping, maritime, transportation, freight forwarding and / or supply chain.
- Desire to expand to support additional business teams as required by Company growth.
- Practical experience and solid knowledge of commercial and contract law.
- Ability to interact with internal clients while addressing complex issues in an accurate, clear and thorough manner.
- A passion for closing deals.
- The ability to multitask, work on your own and prioritize multiple, often competing for deliverables while managing expectations meeting deadlines.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate effectively and gain trust and confidence with personnel at different levels.
- Ability to work as a team member of the legal department in a scalable, autonomous and accountable manner, demonstrating flexibility across deal types and time zones.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with both internal departments and external business clients while addressing complex issues in an accurate, clear and thorough manner.
- The ability to build relationships and to establish yourself as a trusted advisor and business partner across the Company.
- The willingness and drive to learn freight forwarding and all of its intricacies.
At Flexport, our ability to fulfill our mission of making global commerce easy and accessible relies on having a diverse, dedicated and engaged workforce. That is why Flexport is committed to creating and nurturing an environment where anyone can be their authentic self. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, health status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
