Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, M&A and Joint Ventures

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Job Description

Albemarle is hiring for a Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, M&A and Joint Ventures. This position is hybrid and located in Charlotte, NC.

The Deputy General Counsel, M&A and Joint Ventures, plays a strategic and operational leadership role in all facets of the Company's transactional legal function. The individual will lead a high-performing team and have direct responsibility for structuring, negotiating and managing complex domestic and international M&A, joint venture, real estate and strategic partnership transactions. This executive will report directly to the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and work closely with Albemarle's executive team and other business leaders to support the Company's strategic initiatives, growth objectives, and ongoing compliance in a dynamic, highly regulated environment.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of corporate attorneys, contract negotiators, and administrative professionals covering all corporate functions related to M&A, global JVs, strategic transactions, and significant capital projects.

• Promote a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive culture, ensuring best-in-class legal support for business initiatives.

• Supervise and oversee all legal aspects of transactional matters, including the purchase and disposition of assets and businesses, the establishment of JVs globally, and support for major investments and capital allocations.

• Develop succession planning and foster professional development within the legal department.

Strategic and Transactional Expertise:

• Serve as the lead M&A attorney for the enterprise, advising the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and other C-suite executives on all legal matters related to acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint ventures and real estate.

• Structure, negotiate, and execute complex, high-value domestic and international transactions.

• Develop and maintain deal process best practices, transaction checklists, and risk mitigation strategies in partnership with Finance, Tax, and other cross-functional teams.

• Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative legal solutions to support strategic business objectives.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor and business partner to key internal stakeholders in Corporate Development, Finance, Tax, Resources, External Affairs and other functions, providing guidance on transaction structure, risk assessment and mitigation, and post-deal integration issues.

• Lead cross-functional teams in the analysis and resolution of complex legal and business issues during all stages of deals and integration.

Regulatory and Compliance Management:

• Serve as internal subject-matter expert on M&A and joint venture transactions, including with respect to regulatory considerations involving FTC, CFIUS, and equivalent foreign counterparts.

• Proactively analyze and evaluate opportunities and challenges presented by global legislative and regulatory developments, advising senior management accordingly.

Strategic Planning and Business Acumen:

• Provide legal guidance and support the Board of Directors and C-suite on strategic transactions, including market entry, expansion, divestitures, and restructuring initiatives.

• Leverage market and industry knowledge to help the Company structure and execute high-impact transactions.

• Identify and implement legal strategies to divest nonessential business lines or unprofitable subsidiaries and to maximize shareholder value.

• Be a thought leader in how to navigate regulatory considerations (e.g., antitrust, foreign direct investment) involved with executing the company's strategy.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school; active bar membership in good standing.

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience practicing corporate law with a focus on multi-national M&A, JV and capital markets transactions, including at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role within a publicly traded company or top-tier law firm.

• Demonstrated experience structuring, negotiating, and closing complex domestic and international transactions.

• In-depth knowledge of U.S. securities laws, antitrust regulations, and global regulatory frameworks relevant to M&A and JVs.

• Strong background in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management practices.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, influencing and problem-solving skills, with a track record of sound business judgment and execution.

• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills with the ability to lead and collaborate in cross-functional and multicultural team settings.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex legal and business issues and recommendations clearly and succinctly to senior management and the Board.

• Business acumen and commercial mindset, with a proactive, data-driven, and solutions-oriented approach to legal services.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, and evolving business environment.

• Experience working in-house in the legal department of a Fortune 500 or other publicly traded company.

• Conversational or fluent in more than one language.

• Highly ethical, with a strong commitment to integrity.

• Strategic thinker, able to anticipate trends, threats, and opportunities in the M&A and JV landscape.

• Collaborative leader, effective at influencing without authority and building consensus across diverse stakeholders.

• Agility and resilience in managing multiple priorities under time pressure.

• Passion for continuous improvement and innovation in legal service delivery.

• This position is based at the Company's headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Moderate domestic and international travel may be required

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.