General Counsel and Secretary

The General Counsel and Secretary is a key business partner with other members of executive management to generate profitable growth and provide business solutions in legal, compliance, and general business matters. Leading the global legal team of Wolverine World Wide, the position manages matters relating to the Company?s business, compliance and legal affairs. 

 

The General Counsel and Secretary leads, reviews, negotiates and develops a wide variety of effective business solutions relating to contracts, intellectual property, securities, business development, corporate planning, organizational structure, corporate governance,  and other operational areas. 

 

This position is the Company?s most senior legal executive and an executive officer of the Company. The position is accountable for monitoring and protecting the Company?s worldwide intellectual properties including trademark registration, licensing and infringement issues.  The position has primary responsibility for the areas pertaining to corporate ethics and reporting. This position also serves as the Corporate Secretary.

 

 The General Counsel and Secretary, works closely with the Board of Directors and its Governance Committee and contributes to the Senior Leadership Team of Wolverine World Wide.



 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is located in Rockford, MI (15 miles north of Grand Rapids. )

 

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and slippers. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates(R), Hush Puppies(R), HYTEST(R), Merrell(R), Sebago(R) and Wolverine(R). The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT(R), Harley-Davidson(R), Patagonia(R) and Stanley(R). The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in over 140 countries.

 

The Company?s website is www.wolverineworldwide.com

Future career opportunities exist through the growth of the Company and through individual performance, providing a rich ground for advancement including profit and loss responsibility.

 

Demonstrated ability to develop effective business relationships with senior leadership as evidenced in her or his recognized participation at the business table

 

Strong business orientation; understands operational issues and formulates approaches yielding excellent business outcomes

 

?Hands-on? and self directed; comfortable in an environment requiring day-to-day involvement in the details

 

A proactive approach to resolving issues and meeting needs; a ?gets things done? value set that does not permit using the path of least resistance

 

Highly developed writing and communication skills including public speaking

 

Strong counseling and negotiating skills

 

Ability to operate successfully in a dynamic culture that values consultation and collaboration

 

Ability to simultaneously manage a number of multifaceted projects

 

Ability to build collegial relationships and be a team player in a large complex organization

 

Excellent analytical and problem solving skills

 

Ability to manage ambiguity and to be flexible and imaginative in managing risk

 

Ability to bring closure, and get results

 

Ability to supervise and manage relationships with outside counsel

 

Demonstrated expertise supporting business growth through mergers, acquisitions and licensing

 

Experience in trademark and patent  protection and enforcement

 

Public company experience in complying with SEC and stock exchange listing requirements

 

Understanding of Corporate Governance practices and experience in working with a  Board of Directors

 

Experience overseeing legal matters in a multi-national corporate structure

 AdaptabilityAligning & Coaching Performance for SuccessApplied Business KnowledgeBusiness PartnershipsBuilding TrustCommunicationCustomer FocusDecision MakingDelegating ResponsibilityGaining Commitment

 

 Leading Through Vision and ValuesPlanningOrganizingResults Orientation ?Getting it done.?Work Standards

Years of experience are not as important as the quality of the experience.  The expectations, however, are that the ideal candidate will have blended experience deriving from a variety of roles as in-house counsel and/or with outside law firms.

 

Candidates must have legal experience with a global public company.

 

Experience with public company Board of Directors is highly preferred.

 

Juris Doctorate (or equivalent) from a top law school

Active bar membership

 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer