VP, Corporate Counsel

Function: Legal

Location:

New York, NY, US

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Position: VP, Corporate Counsel

Location: New York City (hybrid)

ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY

Together, WE enable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves.

Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.

Position Summary:

The VP, Corporate Counsel, will be a key member of the legal team, reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, responsible for managing all aspects of corporate governance, corporate transactions (including M&A), debt and equity compliance and transactions, employee equity plans, and leading the legal aspects of IPO readiness and an IPO process. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in securities and corporate law (at a top-tier law firm and in-house), ideally in a pre-IPO environment, and a strong understanding of SEC regulations, public company readiness, and capital markets.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Governance

Develop, oversee and maintain corporate governance policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable U.S. and global laws and regulations
Advise the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate governance best practices and emerging trends
Assist in preparation of Board and committee meeting materials, including agendas, minutes, resolutions, and consents

Pre-IPO Activities

Lead the legal preparation for the company's IPO, including drafting and reviewing registration statements (e.g., S-1) and other SEC filings
Collaborate with external counsel, underwriters, and auditors to ensure timely and accurate submission of IPO-related documents
Advise on securities law compliance, including disclosure obligations and investor communications, earnings releases, investor materials, management presentations and other communications
Develop and implement public company governance policies and frameworks in anticipation of the IPO including train on, and compliance processes, for various corporate policies including securities trading and Regulation FD
Lead the legal aspects of transitioning the company to a public entity
Manage 1934 Act Compliance as a public company including advice regarding securities law disclosure/compliance, including Forms 10-K, Forms 10-Q, and Forms 8-K, and SEC registration statements, and drafting the annual meeting proxy statement and preparing for the annual meeting of stockholders

Corporate Structure, M&A, and Debt and Equity Financing

Manage and optimize corporate structure across multiple jurisdictions working closely with tax and finance departments
Responsible for subsidiary management of global company and ensure proper maintenance of corporate records
Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A, equity and debt financing compliance and transactions
Provide legal support for capital raising activities.
Ensure compliance with securities laws and other regulatory requirements in all financing activities
Oversee the equity compensation programs and ensuring compliance with legal and tax requirements including Section 16 reporting

General Legal Support

Collaborate with other legal team members and business units to provide legal advice on a broad range of corporate matters
Monitor and ensure compliance with corporate policies and procedures
Provide guidance on risk management and mitigation strategies related to corporate governance, financing, insurance and IPO activities
Manage relationships with external counsel and ensure efficient use of external legal resources

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with exceptional academic credentials; active bar membership in good standing.
Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in corporate law at a leading law firm and in-house legal department, focusing on corporate governance, securities law, debt and equity financing, global subsidiary management and IPO preparation.
Significant experience in a pre-IPO or public company environment, with direct involvement in the IPO process a significant plus.
In-depth knowledge of securities laws, SEC regulations, and capital markets.
Proven track record of advising senior management and Boards of Directors on corporate governance and financing matters.
Strong negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
Ability to execute in a complex matrixed geographically dispersed environment
Exceptional business and legal issue identification with practical, business-oriented approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively to solve complex legal challenges

We disclose the compensation range for positions in compliance with local law. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, skills and in comparison to internal incumbents currently in similar roles—pay Range: $250,000 - $340,000 salary per year. The range listed is just one component of Wella Company's total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus plan or variable pay, depending on the role. In addition, Wella Company provides a rich variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

NOTICES
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please email NA.Recruiting@wella.com. This email account will not respond to inquiries regarding the status of a candidate’s application.
[For CA located postings ONLY]: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Information regarding your rights: Know Your Rights and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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