Legal Counsel- Commercial

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.

Role Overview:

The purpose of this position is to have an attorney with commercial transactions experience work closely with the Company’s sales and procurement organizations on sales and purchase agreement under the supervision of the Company’s AGC in the United States. To provide legal presence and bench strength where the Company has a significant number of employees and commercial activities (Schkopau & Reinmunster) in Germany). Key required skills are drafting and negotiation experience in a variety of commercial contracts (e.g. product sales, rebates, confidentiality, RFI/RFQ, raw material purchases, logistics/warehouse and services/consulting contracts).

In-depth knowledge of contract formation, Battle of the Forms, contract issue spotting, drafting compromise provisions and issue spotting with third party templates are all required. The attorney takes on work assignments and works under the direction of the AGC to manage certain commercial contracts and provide client counseling.

Sales
Utilize Trinseo templates to prepare commercial contracts relating to: product sales, sales rebates, confidentiality and RFIs/RFQs to support the needs of the Latex Binders, Rubber, Basic Plastics and Performance Plastics sales organizations. This will include distribution agreements.

• Interview Company’s business representatives to determine Company’s needs for a particular new commercial relationship. Select suitable Trinseo template as a starting point.
• Revise template to reflect the particular circumstances of the new commercial relationship and needs of the Company.
• Negotiate contracts with third parties.
• Prepare and respond to counter-proposals.
• This will also involve working from 3rd party proposals instead of Trinseo templates.
• Work closely with and support the Customer Sales Representatives during the term of a contract

Administration - Template Management & Data Protection/Privacy
• Revise and update templates as necessary based on instructions from more senior Trinseo attorneys
• Distribute and maintain updated catalog of templates for the Company
• Develop and Maintain Pre-Authorized Fall Back Positions
• Assist with Company practices associated with data protection and data privacy

Procurement
• Direct and Indirect procurement contracts, such as: logistics, warehousing, miscellaneous business services and consulting agreements.
• Prepare, negotiate and respond as described above.

Miscellaneous: Disputes, Service Level Agreements with Suppliers, Data Privacy
• Experience with data privacy, trade regulation and corporate training initiatives (secrecy, compliance, competition, sexual harassment, conflict of interests, corporate governance, etc.) would be considered a plus.

• Education: Qualified German Attorney (Rechtsanwalt/Syndikusrechtsanwalt) with a university degree in law and completed second German State Exam preferably with above-average grades, or any (equivalent) foreign law exam as such as solicitor or attorney at law.
• Experience – 2 to 4 years of dedicated commercial contracts experience with an emphasis on drafting and negotiating sales and procurement contracts.
• Ability to work fluently in both English and German language commercial and procurement contracts. Additional languages such as Dutch or French are a plus.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written and instructional communication skills.
• Professional demeanor in both email communications and conference calls.
• Strong knowledge of contractual law, including international trade agreements and treaties (NAFTA, CISG, etc.) is a plus.
• Good understanding of IT infrastructure and technology architecture as it relates to data storage and protection. Sound knowledge of electronic discovery based on direct involvement in the planning and/or successful use of eDiscovery software and services.
• Experience with other legal jurisdictions (India, North America and China) is a plus.
• Familiarity with relevant German and EU Privacy laws (Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC, DSGVO, BDSG) is a plus.

Equity And Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity.