Contracts Specialist

Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.

Summary

The Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II role is responsible for providing global legal and compliance risk support to Factory Mutual Insurance Company and its branches and subsidiaries (FM) with contracts, inclusive of non-disclosure agreements (excludes Claims and litigation based non-disclosure agreements). Responsibilities extend to all functions and operations of the FM Global group of companies, including but not limited to insurance, engineering and FM Approvals. In addition to contract review, the individual in the position (i) maintains positive business relationships inside and outside of Corporate Affairs such as with vendor management/procurement, (ii) supports long term and strategic projects, (iii) supports onboarding, training, and mentoring new members of Corporate Affairs, particularly contract reviewers, paralegals and junior attorneys, and, as needed, other departments/business units, (iv) supports drafting of policy and guidance documents as needed; and (v) supports contract review workflow.

The Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II supports the Corporate Affairs Contracts Manager, Corporate Affairs Counsel, the Manager, Corporate Affairs, and other Law & Governmental Affairs colleagues as needed, with recommendations to senior management and internal business units as necessary on a range of matters involving contract review. This includes offering guidance with respect to contractual rights and obligations and providing internal clients with contract review subject matter expertise.

The Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II identifies business and team needs with respect to contract review and supports complex projects and tasks efficiently. The role requires the development of solutions in order to provide successful guidance to the business. The individual in this role must be able to make decisions independently, have effective cross-functional team collaboration, and project management skills. The establishment of trusting relationships with peers and internal business partners, supported by ongoing communication and collaboration to provide seamless results, is essential to the role.

The Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II is expected to remain current with global trends and legal topics relevant to FM Global and ensures that contracts are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and organization policies. This involves coordinating with subject matter experts within Corporate Affairs and, in some instances, tracking pertinent information in the course of legal research. For example, in relation to privacy matters, this may include an understanding of FM's privacy framework and federal, state and international privacy legislation and regulations as they pertain to contracts FM may enter into.

The Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II identifies opportunities for improvement within the function and with workflow generally. They remain current with industry trends, technology, resources and best practices. They are responsible for collaborating with and assisting outside counsel as needed.

Within contract review, the Corporate Affairs Contracts Specialist II will serve as a contract review subject matter expert. May require limited travel and some conference calls outside of typical office hours.

For the avoidance of doubt, all legal advisory work is performed under the supervision of an attorney.

Schedule & Location

This is a full-time non-exempt position based on-site in Johnston, RI with the flexibility for one remote workday per week, based on business needs. Domestic travel may be required up to 10% annually.

• Serve as a point of contact for internal clients regarding contractual matters. Draft, review and support contract review negotiations, including terminations, for a broad range of contracts, including but not limited to MSA, SOW, NDA, EULA, SAAS, DPA. Ensures that contracts are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and organization policies. The role requires good judgment, including knowing when to raise questions of risk and compliance to a Corporate Affairs Counsel or others in management. This requires strong knowledge and a deep understanding of the business and processes as well as the ability to interact and maintain relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. This will require the individual be decisive and make well-reasoned recommendations. Liaise and coordinate with outside counsel on matter specific topics.

• Support drafting of policy and guidance documents as needed. Identify business and team needs. Onboard, train, and educate team members. Support contract review workflow, processes, and protocols.               

• Maintain and support the working relationships with all internal business partners (vendor management, finance, marketing, HR, etc.) and act as an additional point of contact between these business partners and a Corporate Affairs Attorney or others in management. Support training and education to internal business partners.

• Assist with strategic Corporate Affairs initiatives and projects.               

• Maintain tools, inclusive of contract review software, for the effective and efficient use of the contract review team.

Required Education

• Paralegal certificate required
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Required Work Experience

• 5+ years in a law firm or corporate legal department

Highly Preferred Work Experience

• Experience conducting contract review, negotiation and drafting legal language (outside of template usage)

Required Skills

• Experience in drafting and negotiating large, complex and international commercial agreements.
• Possess contracting knowledge sufficient to provide guidance to business teams and others, as required.
• Must be a business-oriented professional with the ability to balance business needs with legal risks and contribute positively to an open exchange of ideas and an atmosphere of communication and team spirit.
• Ability to think critically, issue spot in a variety of contractual situations, and ask questions when needed.
• Possess a natural curiosity and demonstrate a willingness and ability to continuously learn.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize and organize multiple cross functional tasks.
• Detail oriented.

The hourly salary for this position is $41.31 to $69.72 and will be determined based on individual qualifications. Employees enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards program, including incentives, health and well-being programs, retirement plans, career development, tuition reimbursement, flexible work options, and more!

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.