Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Denver office, the Vice President, Legal, Merger & Acquisition will be responsible for managing the legal aspects of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and investments. This position partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive strategic growth while ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead M&A Transactions End-to-End

• Oversee legal support for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments globally
• Guide deals from initial strategy and due diligence through execution and post-close integration
• Structure transactions to align with business, financial, and legal objectives

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Advise senior leadership on risks, deal structures, and regulatory implications.
• Identify legal issues early and develop mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards

Due Diligence Oversight

• With Corporate Development, lead legal due diligence for target companies and transactions
• Coordinate with internal teams (finance, tax, HR, compliance) and external counsel
• Evaluate contractual, litigation, regulatory, and operational risks

Drafting & Negotiation

• Structure, draft, and negotiate:
• Purchase agreements
• Joint venture and partnership agreements
• NDAs and ancillary deal documents.
• Lead negotiations with counterparties and external legal teams

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Tax, Treasury, HR, and Compliance teams
• Align legal strategy with broader corporate growth and integration efforts

Manage External Counsel & Budgets

• Select and oversee outside counsel
• Manage legal spend and ensure efficient execution of transactions

Post-Merger Integration

• Provide legal guidance on integration planning and execution
• Ensure alignment of governance, contracts, and regulatory obligations post-close

Leadership & Team Development

• Collaborate with legal team members supporting M&A activities
• Build scalable processes, playbooks, and best practices for transactions
• Track record of effectively counseling and influencing senior executives

Requirements and Preferred Skills

ABOUT YOU

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to at least one state bar
• Typically 10-12+ years of M&A legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
• Deep expertise in:
• Corporate law
• M&A transactions (public/private)
• Deal structuring and negotiation
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex deals

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking - Aligns legal advice with business growth objectives
• Negotiation expertise - Drives favorable outcomes in high-value transactions
• Risk assessment - Identifies and mitigates legal exposure
• Project management - Manages multiple complex deals simultaneously
• Stakeholder influence - Engages executives and cross-functional partners
• Communication - Excellent written and verbal skills for legal and business audiences
• Team focus - Works effectively with others in the Legal Department and across functions to achieve company objectives

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $275,000 - $325,000
• Bonus Eligible
• Equity Eligible
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for Flexible Time Off
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.