JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a highly accomplished and strategic Chief Legal Officer (CLO) on behalf of our client, a distinguished and rapidly growing manufacturing group headquartered in the vibrant industrial hub of Detroit, Michigan. This is a rare opportunity to join the C-suite of a forward-thinking organization and play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory.
The successful candidate will be a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, providing expert legal counsel and leadership across all facets of the business. As the head of the legal function, you will be responsible for building, leading, and mentoring a high-performing legal team while navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape inherent to the global manufacturing industry. We are seeking a visionary leader with exceptional business acumen, a proactive approach to risk management, and a proven track record of success in a senior in-house legal role.
Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
The Chief Legal Officer will serve as the principal legal advisor to the company’s executive leadership team and Board of Directors. This executive will be responsible for the entirety of the company’s legal affairs, setting the legal strategy that aligns with and advances the company’s business objectives. Operating at the intersection of law and business, the CLO will provide insightful, pragmatic, and proactive counsel on a wide array of matters including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and employment law.
This role demands a leader who can not only manage legal risk but also act as a strategic business partner, contributing to key decisions that drive growth, innovation, and long-term value. The CLO will be instrumental in fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the organization, ensuring that the company operates at the highest standards of compliance and corporate citizenship. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to innovate, expand into new markets, and maintain its competitive edge in a dynamic global marketplace.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
The CLO’s responsibilities are broad and critical to the company’s success. You will be expected to provide hands-on leadership and expert guidance in the following areas:
Strategic Legal Counsel & Executive Partnership
Act as a primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all legal matters. Provide strategic, forward-looking legal guidance that supports the company’s growth plans, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation strategies. Participate in executive-level decisions and contribute a strong legal and ethical perspective to business strategy.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee meeting support, corporate records, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Develop, implement, and maintain robust compliance programs that address key industry risks, including anti-corruption (FCPA), trade compliance, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards. Ensure the company adheres to the highest corporate governance best practices.
Commercial Transactions and Contracts
Lead the legal review, drafting, and negotiation of a wide variety of complex commercial agreements. This includes major customer and supplier contracts, supply chain and logistics agreements, technology licensing, real estate leases, and strategic partnership agreements. Develop and standardize contract management processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes involving the company. Develop and execute effective litigation strategies, manage external counsel, and control legal spend. Proactively identify potential areas of legal risk and implement strategies to prevent disputes before they arise.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Development
Play a leading legal role in all M&A activities, from initial due diligence and structuring through negotiation, closing, and post-merger integration. Provide counsel on joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other corporate development initiatives.
Intellectual Property Management
Develop and execute a comprehensive global intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s valuable patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Oversee IP portfolio management, enforcement actions, and licensing agreements.
Labor and Employment Law
Provide expert counsel on a full range of labor and employment issues, including employee relations, collective bargaining agreements, executive compensation, discrimination and harassment claims, and workplace safety (OSHA). Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.
Leadership and Department Management
Lead, mentor, and develop the in-house legal team. Manage the legal department’s budget effectively. Select, retain, and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services. Foster a collaborative and business-oriented culture within the legal department.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned legal executive with a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector and a passion for driving business results. We have established a clear set of qualifications to identify the right leader for this critical role:
Educational & Bar Admission
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school is required. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with the ability to become licensed in Michigan as needed.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive legal experience, with a significant portion spent in a senior in-house counsel role within a manufacturing, industrial, automotive, or similarly complex, asset-heavy industry. At least 5-7 years of experience managing a legal team and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executive leadership is essential.
Corporate & Transactional Expertise
Demonstrated, hands-on experience in corporate law, corporate governance, SEC reporting (if applicable), and complex M&A transactions.
Broad Legal Acumen
Proven expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines, including commercial contracts, litigation management, intellectual property, and labor & employment law.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and a sophisticated understanding of business operations. The ability to translate complex legal principles into practical, actionable business advice is paramount.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to influence and build consensus with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from the factory floor to the boardroom. A proven ability to manage, mentor, and inspire a legal team.
Integrity and Judgment
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Must possess the gravitas and executive presence to represent the company effectively.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, which includes:
- A competitive base salary and attractive annual performance-based bonus.
- A significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units, or other equity-based compensation).
- Comprehensive, executive-level health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates and their families.
- An annual allowance for professional development, including Continuing Legal Education (CLE), bar dues, and industry conferences.
- Executive perquisites such as a vehicle allowance or company car.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. To be considered for this pivotal Chief Legal Officer role, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest through our secure portal. We are committed to a transparent and confidential application process. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
Discover more about our specialized recruitment services by visiting our practice area page on Legal Executive Search.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
