Head of Legal

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

We're looking for a Head of Legal to serve as the company’s top legal executive--a strategic partner to the leadership team and a hands-on leader for our growing legal team. This role requires someone comfortable sitting at the exec table as well as someone able to dig into the details when needed. You’ll drive high-value legal strategy, lead company-defining transactions, oversee a top-notch legal team, and grow and shape a strong, business-aligned legal culture.

What you'll do

• Strategic Legal Partner: Advise the CEO and executive team on risk, strategy, and legal posture across all major company initiatives
• Corporate Transactions: Lead legal aspects of M&A, corporate structuring, equity financings, and joint ventures
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor in-house counsel supporting general legal needs and contracts/growth; determine when/where to expand team or engage outside counsel
• Government Contracts & Compliance: Oversee legal support for our prime and sub work across DoD/Federal agencies; ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIRs, etc.
• Export & Regulatory: Own company posture on ITAR, EAR, and classified compliance, and work closely with Security and Engineering teams
• IP & Licensing: Ensure defensibility of our autonomy stack, manage IP strategy, and negotiate license agreements that protect core assets
• Commercial Agreements: Set standards for commercial contracts and support negotiations with key customers and vendors
• Litigation, Employment, & Risk: Manage any active or potential disputes; advise on employment law and internal investigations as needed
• Policy & Government Relations Support: Provide legal review and guidance on policy positions, lobbying efforts, and congressional or agency engagement
• Scale the Function: Optimize internal legal processes, build scalable systems, and maintain an agile approach to resourcing as we grow
• Board & Governance: Serve as corporate secretary and advise on board governance, investor relations, and fiduciary duties; support board and committee operations.
• Classified & Security Program Oversight: Partner with FSO and Security team to ensure legal alignment with classified program requirements, insider threat policies, and NISPOM obligations.
• Legal Risk & Strategic Scenario Planning: Lead internal legal risk assessments related to growth, market entry, and geopolitical exposure; model legal posture under stress or crisis scenarios.
• Cross-Border Strategy: Support the structuring and review of international sales, partnerships, and regulatory clearance processes (e.g., FMS, DCS, CFIUS).
• ESG & Ethics Oversight: Oversee ethics reporting channels, ensure compliance with company values and applicable anti-corruption laws (FCPA, UK Bribery Act).

Qualifications

• JD and active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 10–15+ years of experience across top-tier law firm and in-house roles
• Deep knowledge of government contracts, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and dual-use commercial/government tech
• Demonstrated success leading legal support for M&A, financings, and complex commercial transactions
• Experience managing and mentoring legal team members in a fast-paced environment
• Clear, practical communication style and a business-first mindset
• Ability to zoom in and out: get into the details when needed, but always drive toward bigger strategic outcomes
• Diplomacy & Discretion in High-Pressure Situations: Comfort navigating issues involving U.S. government, regulators, or international counterparties with maturity and pr