Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts

KONE, founded in 1910, is one of the largest, award-winning elevator companies in the world and our offering for employees is as competitive as our offering for customers. Not only do we provide highly competitive salaries, company vehicles for specific roles, and world-class benefits for our salaried employees - we also pride ourselves on our culture and principles. Innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and ethical business practices are just some of the pillars that we use to define our own success. Come join our family in KONE Americas to be a part of something big!

JOB OVERVIEW

As Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts, you will be responsible for expanding the functions and capabilities of the Contract Management team by handling high risk/high exposure contracts and providing guidance and leadership to the team.  Provide advice on contract matters and assist in streamlining the contracting process. Responsible for the review, analysis, and negotiation of business line contracts (new installation, modernization, service and repair contracts) to manage risks and enhance customer satisfaction, while ensuring compliance with legal standards and company policies.  

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Review, analyze and perform risk assessment of new installation, modernization, maintenance and repair contracts and bids of various complexities.

• Provide an assessment of terms and conditions, clarifications and compliance requirements prior to and during the bidding or contracting stage.

• Identify areas that require modification, propose modifications, and effectively negotiate the contracts with customers to reduce risk to KONE.

• Analyze customer response to the Rider/Addendum using analytical skills and legal knowledge to determine if the customer response is acceptable per the KONE guidelines.

• Within the Law Department, will serve as point of contact for contracts.

• Research statutory and common law legal issues. 

• Ensure all appropriate KONE personnel comply with contract requirements.  Identify issues that require modification to established work procedures and identify areas that require additional training.

• Develop and conduct training to other functional departments within the company.

• Lend support to contract related projects, including government contracts and special assignments to ensure compliance with legal standards and company policies.

The ideal candidate for this position would present as a highly skilled legal professional with a strong background in reviewing, analyzing, and negotiating high-risk or complex commercial contracts. They are fluent in contract language and well-versed in legal concepts, terms, and negotiation strategies, with the ability to identify and resolve potential legal and operational risks.

They are proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiar with AI and machine learning concepts, including demonstrated openness towards leveraging new technologies to improve contract management efficiency. Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills are must, along with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Lastly, with a customer-first approach, the ideal candidate maintains a high standard of service, listens actively, and builds collaborative relationships. They uphold the highest level of personal and professional ethics and confidentiality and are trusted to support branch operations by understanding company products, shipping schedules, and common field-level contract issues.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university and juris doctorate (J.D.) from accredited law school in the US, or equivalent. Licensure as required by the jurisdiction.

• At least 2-4 years working with commercial contracts in a corporate or law firm setting.  Strong negotiation skills handling complex contract requirements.

About KONE

At KONE, we foster an innovative and collaborative culture, valuing each individual's contribution. Employee engagement and sustainability are key focuses, promoting ethical practices and mutual respect. We're proud to offer experiences and opportunities to help you achieve career and personal goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

We hire diverse individuals because we believe diversity drives innovation.  

• We value your authentic self.  

• Diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in our strategy and values. 

• Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment. 

• Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation  

• We care about the communities where we live and work.  

Just some of our many benefits include:  

• Competitive salary  

• Flexible work schedule  

• Opportunities to learn and grow  

• 401K Employer Match 

• 401k Employer Non-elective Contribution  

• Well-being Program 

• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance 

• Digital Health Solutions & Telehealth 

• Health Savings Account (HSA) 

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)  

• Family & Medical Leave 

• Parental Leave 

• Leave to Care for a Domestic Partner 

• Paid Time Off & Holidays 

• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance 

• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance   

• Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability 

• Buy-Up Long-term Disability 

• Critical Illness Insurance 

• Hospital Indemnity & Accident Insurance 

• Identity Theft Protection 

• Legal Insurance 

• KONE Credit Union 

• Tuition Reimbursement 

• Commuter Benefits 

Annual Base Pay Range: 

The compensation package offered will depend on the candidate’s ability to meet the requirements of the role and a range of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to their skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and location. The hiring range for this role is based on the following locations:

• Lisle - hiring range: $130,400.00 – $179,300.00

• Moline - hiring range: $115,760.00 – $159,170.00

Variable Compensation 

KONE Annual Bonus plan (60/40) @ 15% incentive target based on achievement of company goals and individual goals.

Come share your passion and energy to make a positive impact at KONE for our customers and your career! 

*Beware of Recruitment Scams*  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

#LI-JC1

#IND123

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on www.kone.com/careers