The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the company, responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. In a small NASDAQ-listed company, this role is both strategic and hands-on, providing practical legal guidance to executive leadership, business teams and the Board of Directors. This position is a key member of the leadership team and reports directly to the CEO, playing a critical role in shaping company strategy, governance, and risk management and is based in our Benbrook, TX headquarters.
Human Resources Legal- Lead internal investigations, including employee-related and whistleblower matters
- Provide legal guidance on employment law, including hiring, terminations, and employee relations
- Advise on compensation, equity plans, and benefits programs
- Draft, review and maintain employee policies
- Consult on other HR matters
Compliance & Risk Management - Develop and maintain company-wide compliance programs, including workplace policies and codes of conduct
- Monitor evolving regulatory requirements impacting a publicly traded company with both domestic and international operations
- Identify and mitigate legal risks across the organization
- Manage litigation, disputes, external counsel, and legal budget
Commercial, Legal Advisory & Strategic Transactions- Act as a strategic business partner to the leadership team
- Provide commercially-focused legal advice to support business strategy and revenue growth
- Structure, draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements (vendor, partnership, leases, independent contractors, NDAs, etc.)
- Balance legal risk with business objectives in a pragmatic, solutions-oriented manner
- Advise on corporate transactions, including M&A, financings, and strategic partnerships
- Oversee intellectual property portfolio management and protection strategy
Corporate Governance, Securities & Board Engagement (Preferred) - Ensure compliance with SEC and stock exchange regulations, including periodic filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, Proxy Statement)
- Oversee insider trading and other governance policies and disclosure controls
- Advise the Board of Directors and leadership team on governance best practices
- Work closely with the Board and its committees; (Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Governance)
- Serve as Company Secretary, leading preparation for Board, committee and stockholders meetings, including agendas, minutes and other materials
QUALIFICATIONS- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active bar membership in good standing (Texas preferred)
- 8+ years of legal experience, including significant in-house legal experience (public company experience preferred)
- Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and Boards of Directors
- Proven commercial acumen and experience supporting business growth initiatives
- Experience with employment law and HR-related legal matters
- Experience in a retail or consumer-facing company is a strong plus
- Strong knowledge of U.S. securities laws and public company compliance (Preferred)
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES- Strong business judgment and commercial mindset
- Ability to operate in a lean, fast-paced environment
- Executive presence and ability to engage effectively with the Board
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- High ethical standards and integrity
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - Competitive compensation - strong pay for performance culture
- Regular Incentive Bonus Programs (cash plus equity) - based on performance and productivity
- Paid Holidays - 10 paid holidays available on day one of employment
- Paid Time Off - unlimited, beginning at 60 days of employment
- Comprehensive health care coverage options: medical, dental, vision plus life and disability insurance
- 401(k) Plan - company matched
- Employee discounts on our products
To learn more about Tandy Leather, please visit our website: www.tandyleather.com.
