Principal Legal Specialist

The Principal Legal Specialist is a key member of the global Legal department responsible for managing worldwide subsidiary governance, driving strategic corporate governance-related projects, and acting as an interface between Legal and Compliance for matters such as non-US subsidiary compliance.  The position reports to the Senior Director, Associate General Counsel, Governance, and works across the Legal department and throughout the enterprise to accomplish value-added projects and tasks supporting enterprise initiatives and programs. 

Aspects of the role include but not limited to:

• Responsible for the oversight and management of subsidiary corporate governance on a global basis, overseeing and managing the governance requirements and obligations of Waters’ 50+ international subsidiaries.
• Responsible for oversight of Waters’ Section 16 and Insider Programs
• Responsible for advising Waters’ management and in-house legal team on Waters’ global governance and subsidiary compliance policies, including the creation and implementation of global governance policies and processes and advises international subsidiary directors and officers of their duties and obligations.
• Project manage key legal projects that require cross-functional and cross-territorial stakeholder involvement.
• Interface between Legal and Compliance on matters such as non-US subsidiary compliance, to drive Legal involvement and coordination on critical compliance initiatives that require the input and direction from the Legal department.

• Manage, maintain and coordinate all governance documents, actions and filings required for the governance and operation of Waters’ 50+ international subsidiaries, including scheduling and leading subsidiary board meetings
• Manage day-to-day operation of Waters’ Section 16 and Insider Programs
• Independently manage and direct outside counsel and other external advisors globally on governance matters to achieve high-quality advice and results while maintaining cost effective measures
• Advise Waters’ global leadership, including subsidiary officers and board members, on Waters’ global corporate governance policies, responsibilities, signature authority policies and ensure compliance with the same
• Independently draft and manage required corporate governance actions for Waters’ domestic subsidiaries
• Create, implement and monitor governance processes (e.g., signature process, PoA process, annual accounts process) and provide ongoing support to the business
• Lead projects and initiatives to refine and revise global governance policies to respond to changing legal landscapes and to meet the needs of the business
• Drive projects within Legal and in conjunction with Compliance that ensure compliance with global laws, standard and Waters policies and develop processes for ongoing improvement and best in class practices
• Support Senior Director, Associate General Counsel with SEC periodic reporting activities
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Legal, Internal Audit, Finance and other core functions to direct governance, compliance and legal issues through the appropriate channels for investigation and resolution as well as work towards future improvements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Paralegal certificate preferred
• 10+ years within the Legal field, in-house or private practice firm
• Notary Public license or willingness to become a notary
• Experience with Section 16 and related Insider Trading programs preferred
• Experience with 1934 Act reporting preferred
• Proven ability to establish a high degree of credibility, respect and trust at all levels.
• Strong verbal and, written communication skills
• Effective planning and organizational skills to prioritize key areas of responsibility, tasks and concurrent projects in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to delegate and manage resources effectively
• Strong team player who is both committed and flexible
• Expertise in a wide range of matters, including corporate governance, compliance and legal trends/requirements for multinational companies
• Comfortable with both tactical and strategic aspects of the role
• Ability to work in a matrixed, multidisciplinary organization with a global footprint

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), the world's leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, and food sciences for more than 60 years. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, with products available in more than 100 countries. Our team focuses on creating business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations to enable significant advancement in healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality.   

Working at Waters enables our employees to unlock the potential of their careers. Our global team is driven by purpose. We strive to be better, learn and improve every day in everything we do. We’re the problem solvers and innovators that aren’t afraid to take risks to transform the world of human health and well-being. We’re all in it together delivering benefit as one to provide the insights needed today in order to solve the challenges of tomorrow. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It is our responsibility to actively implement programs and practices to drive inclusive behavior and increase diversity across the organization. We are united by diversity and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or protected Veteran status.