Job Information
Kohler Co. Assistant General Counsel & VP, Compliance and Ethics in Kohler, Wisconsin
Assistant General Counsel & VP, Compliance and Ethics
Work Mode: Hybrid
*Location: * Hybrid - Kohler, WI
Opportunity
The Assistant General Counsel (AGC) & VP, Compliance & Ethics is a key member of the legal and compliance leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This role is responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s global compliance, ethics, and other compliance and regulatory programs, as well as additional law department management responsibilities as assigned by the CLO. The AGC & VP, Compliance & Ethics will work closely with senior executives, functional leaders, and the relevant committees of the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations while upholding the highest standards of conduct.
Specific Responsibilities
Compliance Program Leadership
Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive global compliance program that aligns with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Continuously monitor changes in regulatory requirements and ensure the organization adapts to evolving compliance obligations.
Conduct risk assessments to identify areas of legal and compliance risk and develop strategies to mitigate potential issues.
Provide guidance to management on compliance-related matters, including anti-corruption, anti-bribery, trade compliance, and other regulatory obligations.
Ethics and Code of Conduct
Promote a culture of ethics and integrity across the organization, ensuring the highest standards of ethical behavior are upheld at all levels.
Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the company’s Code of Conduct, ethics policies, and related training programs.
Investigate and manage ethical and compliance concerns raised through the company’s reporting channels, ensuring appropriate follow-up and corrective actions.
Develop and drive a strategy for a culture of compliance and integrity at the company.
Evaluate potential acquisitions for risk and integration challenges, provide feedback to the executive team, and integrate new acquisitions into the company’s global compliance program.
Product Compliance and International Trade Compliance
Lead an effective yet flexible trade compliance organization for the company’s global manufacturing operations.
Lead and develop an effective product compliance team to ensure that products meet the technical requirements of each country or market where products are sold in support of business operations.
Law Department Management
Assist the CLO with the strategic management of the legal department, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.
Supervise and mentor a team of attorneys, compliance professionals, and support staff, fostering professional development and growth.
Develop and implement legal department policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Assist in leading various leadership workstreams across the
Corporate Governance and Regulatory Affairs
Provide support to the CLO in advising the Board of Directors on compliance, ethics, and legal matters.
Monitor and advise on corporate governance best practices, compliance, and regulatory developments impacting the company.
Support global company compliance requirements, including reporting, shareholder communications, and other obligations.
Litigation and Investigations
Oversee internal investigations and coordinate responses to government inquiries or enforcement actions as needed.
Provide strategic guidance on significant compliance related litigation matters, including assessing risks and developing appropriate strategies for resolution.
Experience in and ability to partner closely with Internal Audit leadership, as well as other functional and business teams, to glean insights and drive improvement in enterprise risk management across the organization.
Training and Education
Develop and implement training programs for employees and management on compliance, privacy, ethics, and legal matters.
Ensure that training is effective in reinforcing the company’s policies and legal obligations.
Agility Across Legal and Compliance Subject Matter Areas
As needed, transition into and support other subject matter areas on the legal team to provide work capacity, expertise or support.
Drive team engagement and process improvement across the Legal and Compliance & Ethics teams.
Expertise in recruiting, retaining, and developing high-performing teams in the legal and compliance spaces.
Skills/Requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and current member in good standing of a state bar.
Minimum of 15 years of relevant legal experience, with significant in-house experience in a deputy or chief compliance officer leadership role preferred.
Proven experience in managing global compliance, regulatory, litigation, and ethics programs.
Strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to compliance, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements for multi-national companies.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
The role demands a professional with a proven track record in leadership, management, and a deep understanding of global manufacturing and related environments. The ideal candidate will have experience in a wide range of legal and regulatory issues.
Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment. Crisis management skills are also essential.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Experience with litigation management and internal investigations is a plus.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.
At least 5-7 years of law/compliance department leadership experience.
Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
High caliber leader with history of developing high performing teams in high change environments.
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
High level of integrity and ethical judgment.
Strong business acumen and understanding of the organization’s industry and operations.
Extremely agile, with ability to communicate with many stakeholders and cross functional teams to drive organizational improvement.
Creative thinker with client service orientation.
Collaborative style with proven track record of building functions and teams for overall enterprise and risk benefit.
Working Requirements
- Travel to partner with compliance and ethics teams, and to manage relevant critical matters required.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
The salary range for this position is $238,300 - $316,450. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.
Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.
About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.