Commercial Counsel (BASF-Chemetall)

Now Hiring! Commercial Counsel (ECT-Chemetall)

 

Come create chemistry with us!

 

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming. 

 

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

 

BASF and Carlyle, in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority, have entered into a binding agreement related to BASF’s automotive coatings and surface treatment businesses (including Chemetall).  Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026.  This position is integral to the completion of the transaction and future success of the business.  

 

 

We are seeking an experienced legal professional for the position of Commercial Counsel for Chemetall U.S., Inc.; this individual can be based in New Providence, NJ or Jackson, MI. 

 

This position will be responsible for providing and managing the legal advice to BASF Coatings’ business unit Chemetall in the US. Prior legal experience with commercial transactions as well as competition and corporate law in an in-house, international environment is required. This position will further help to anticipate potential litigation and compliance risks, and provide training on key legal topics.

As a Commercial Counsel (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

• Provide strategic and day-to-day legal and compliance advice, training and support to business management and operational personnel of Chemetall U.S., Inc.
• Review, revise, and negotiate commercial documents, a.o. for the purchase or sale of goods or services, contract manufacturing, collaboration and confidentiality agreements; provide legal support to business partners in contract review, negotiations, and strategy.
• Serve as legal counsel on global and North American regional M&A transactions and other strategic projects of the business unit in support of the business and the Legal Department. 
• Advise and support in disputes and litigation, including management of external counsel.
• Identify issues requiring input and support from business and functional support units and engage in cross-functional teams to ensure complete and efficient resolution of all matters and transactions.
• Implement global BASF Coatings and Chemetall policies and guidelines, advise on their US law impact, and train the personnel of Chemetall U.S., Inc. accordingly.
• Develop a thorough understanding and familiarity with BASF Coatings’ and Chemetall’s business to identify trends and formulate strategies accordingly.
• Lead and support compliance related projects and topics.

If you have...

 

• Juris Doctorate and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum seven (7) years of legal experience required; prior in-house legal experience in an international, manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficiency in the area of commercial transactions, such as sales, procurement and/or manufacturing, and including negotiation leads, as well as proficiency in US antitrust laws required; some knowledge of ex-US competition law preferred. Mergers and Acquisitions / Divestments experience required.
• Excellent ability to network and collaborate, organized and detail oriented.
• Commitment to client service in a fast-paced business environment, proactive, resourceful, responsive, and efficient. Ability to pragmatically and concisely communicate complex legal issues to non-lawyers and all levels of personnel and management.
• Equity-driven with demonstrated ability to excel in a dynamic environment and work well with people from diverse demographics.
• Ability to demonstrate sound and independent judgment with an understanding of the business environment.

Create y