The Legal Department of Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), an industrial distributor with a $12.5 billion market cap, seeks an experienced commercial attorney to join its expanding team in this newly created role.  This position will be the primary legal team member assisting our businesses on government contract negotiation and compliance, together with other commercial contract matters as applicable, and is located at Applied’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

Essential Duties and Requirements

• Provide accurate, timely, business-oriented legal advice to business associates across all business segments in connection with their responses to Federal, state, and local solicitations, requests for quotations/proposals, bids, and in taking steps to comply with necessary requirements in fulfilling and performing such contracts and subcontracts.
• Have in-depth knowledge of, and the ability to provide clear guidance on compliance regarding, those requirements unique to contracting with the U.S. Government, including FAR/DFARS.
• Experienced in proposal development, negotiations, contract performance and dispute resolution in connection with government contracts at the Federal, state, and local levels.
• Experienced in contracting and regulatory compliance matters, including EAR, FCPA, CMMC, and trade compliance regulations.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting government contracting and advise on required changes to processes, contract positions, and risk controls.
• Be able to clearly and effectively communicate with all levels of business team associates the requirements necessary to comply with a wide range of government contracts and subcontracts.
• Develop and deliver training to sales and other personnel on government contracting requirements.
• Independently draft and negotiate a wide range of agreements to meet business and legal requirements, including sales agreements, supply agreements, distribution agreements, consulting agreements, and various vendor services agreements.
• Provide creative, practical, business-oriented advice and solutions on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, liability risks, regulatory compliance, and other legal matters.
• Work with Applied’s business development team to conduct due diligence and post-acquisition integration efforts in strategic transactions as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from a nationally recognized law school.
• Admitted to practice (preferably in Ohio).
• At least 3 years of experience in federal government contracting.
• Experience drafting and negotiating domestic and international commercial agreements.
• Experience supporting internal investigations, audits, bid protests, contract claims, or government customer disputes.
• Ability to take accountability, appropriately calibrate risk and enable clear decision-making with confidence and professional maturity.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively, develop and maintain positive relationships, and lead a diverse workload.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interface effectively with clients, peers, outside counsel and opposing parties and the ability to communicate legal topics to non-lawyers.
• Experience with EEO laws a plus.