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At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of biofuels in the world.
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Counsel is a seasoned, commercially minded attorney with a generalist background and, preferably, industry experience. The role is responsible for providing reliable, practical legal counsel to Company leaders on a broad range of issues across the business. While you will be joining a team of attorneys at POET, you will need to be a self-starter who can work independently. You will operate out of our headquarters in Sioux Falls.
A TYPICAL DAY COULD INCLUDE
Identifying potential legal issues, and counsel and advise the Company on the appropriate course of action on a wide range of legal matters impacting the Company;
Responding to issues as they arise in matters affecting the day-to-day business operations;
Building relationships with business and legal professionals throughout the Company in a professional, collegial and collaborative manner;
Drafting, reviewing, revising and negotiating contracts and transactions with customers and other third parties;
Drafting complex legal documents;
Developing training materials and providing training on relevant topics to colleagues;
Ensuring the Company’s compliance with legal policies and state and federal laws and regulations;
Supporting the Company’s human resources function; and
Working closely with and managing outside counsel as needed.
STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
10+ years’ experience in law firm and, preferably, in-house environments, with generalist background;
Must possess commercial mindedness, and ability to understand the business and to act as a member of the commercial team;
Experience negotiating and drafting a variety of complex commercial contracts, including marketing agreements, distribution and supply agreements and licensing agreements;
Experience handling documentation of complex legal transactions;
Experience with labor and employment law preferred;
Relevant industry experience preferred;
Excellent writing and negotiating skills;
Professionalism with the ability to build credibility, trust and respect; and
Ability to juggle and prioritize multiple tasks, to meet deadlines, to balance business and legal issues for the maximum benefit of the Company and to think on your feet.
Impeccable moral and ethical integrity;
Self-motivated and ready to “hit the ground running” with a proactive approach and the demonstrated ability to independently see projects through from inception to completion;
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues, and to professionally balance urgency and decisiveness with patience and compassion;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of management, staff, outside counsel and business partners;
Demonstrated understanding of business;
Ability to approach obstacles proactively and look for creative solutions to further business needs;
Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a strong dedication to providing prompt, excellent client service;
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling multiple simultaneous projects with minimal supervision.
Analytical ability and strong attention to detail; and
Upholds and furthers POET’s culture and values.
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.
Education and Licensing Requirements
A law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the bar in at least one state.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s our code.
This position is largely self-directed and requires an understanding of Company policy, procedures and values.
This position operates in an office environment. In the office, you will work on a personal computer, where you may sit or stand.
Occasional travel is required, with some overnight stays.
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
About POET
Imagination, Discipline and a Lasting Impression
At POET, we are changing the world for the better while leaving a legacy that promotes health and sustainability through renewable biofuels.
We believe in creativity from common sense. We believe the solution to our nation's growing energy crises is not some far-flung work of science fiction. It's the domestic energy we're producing today. The people of POET are currently replacing millions of barrels of imported oil every year with clean, renewable energy. All while pumping billions of dollars back into the American economy.
In our three decades on the job, POET has developed an unmatched record in technology, reliability and efficiency. That's a legacy we intend to pass on. And every day we keep building on it. Today, we have a network of 28 plants in seven states and produce more than 1.7 billion gallons of biofuels annually.
More important than volume is the efficiency with which we produce our products. POET provides turnkey development, design, engineering, construction, management and marketing services for our plant network. Our facilities are the most successful and profitable in the industry.
Our technolog...ies were developed and refined through years of hard work and collaboration with leaders in clean technology, biochemistry and animal nutrition. As a result, we reap more value from a bushel of corn than anyone.
In addition to biofuels, we've perfected the leading brand of premium dried distillers grains with solubles on the market, Dakota Gold®.
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