Legal Counsel, North America

Make an Impact With UsAt Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Legal Counsel will be a key member of the Legal Department for the North America Region. The North America Legal Department consists of 4 lawyers and 1 legal executive assistant. Preferred candidates will have 6+ years of experience as a general corporate attorney. The Legal Counsel will primarily serve as the lead lawyer for sourcing and contracts matters, including sourcing claims and litigation, real estate and environmental matters for the North America Region. Additional responsibilities include mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and licensing, and other matters as may be assigned including collaboration with worldwide legal colleagues. The North America Region includes the United States, Canada and Mexico.Your Role at a GlanceSourcing Provides drafting, negotiation and other legal support to the North America and Group Sourcing Department utilizing existing templates, creating new documents, or responding to supplier agreements in connection with the procurement of products and services, capital expenditures, and confidentiality / non-disclosure agreements.Ensures adherence to Group’s contract review procedures including communication of non-standard risks as required for senior management approval.Manage sourcing engagements to retain virtually all contract workload in-house with utilization of outside counsel for limited occasions requiring specialized expertise.Assist Sourcing and Operations teams to set negotiation strategies and objectives for applicable matters and proactively respond to market or regulatory changes.Formulates legal strategy and determines the advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits and claims for sourcing related matters.Manages outside counsel and internally leads sourcing related litigation with responsibility for conducting investigations, engaging with our brokers and insurers, and achieving favorable outcomes including mediation and settlements. Strictly manages outside counsel legal budgets.Real Estate / EnvironmentalResponsible for real estate matters, including real property transactions, deeds, leases (office building, industrial sites and pipe yard leases), mechanics liens, real estate property assessment matters, etc.Engage local outside counsel expertise as applicable.Supports environmental teams with respect to air and water permits, waste disposal, discharges, hazardous materials, inspections, and local, state and federal (EPA) compliance and reporting.Mergers and AcquisitionsManage all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, including transaction structuring, legal due diligence, risk assessment, negotiation of definitive agreements, transition service agreements, regulatory compliance, and business and operations integration.Coordinate with cross‑functional teams working closely with controlling / finance, tax, human resources, operations, commercial, compliance, and external advisors to ensure timely completion, regulatory compliance, and achievement of strategic objectives.IP & LicensingDraft, negotiate, and advise on intellectual property related agreements, including licenses, assignments, joint development, technology transfer, confidentiality, and collaboration agreements. (Responsibilities does not include the filing or maintaining of patents or trademarks.)Manage and assist in intellectual property related disputes, including infringement claims, licensing disputes, and enforcement actions. Develop legal strategy, oversee outside counsel, and advise on resolution, settlement, or litigation to protect company interests.Training and Risk ManagementAdvises and trains North America managers and employees on company procedures, applicable law and regulations related to the Legal Counsel’s areas of responsibility and other applicable legal and compliance matters.Legal MonitoringWrite and communicate legal opinions that may require research of statutes, regulations, and/or court decisions in complex areas of law.Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of Group policies and procedures and communicating new developments in applicable law or regulations.What Sets You ApartWe’re looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:Education/ExperiencePrefer substantive legal experience at both a major law firm and in-house counsel positions and experience with multinational companies.J.D. or L.L.B degree from an ABA approved law school or equivalent.Licensed to practice law in Texas or other U.S. jurisdiction as required to perform responsibilities of the Legal Counsel position.Language AbilityEnglishFluency in French beneficial but not required. Preferred Skills And KnowledgeOil and Gas industry or steel manufacturing knowledge or experience.Strong employee relations and commercial contract drafting and negotiation skills.Litigation management skills.Legal experience in multiple areas of law applicable to the day-to-day operations of an international company and its subsidiaries.Sound business acumen along with a customer/business partner focus and leadership presence. Willingly takes initiative and influences others to achieve objectives within a high volume, fast paced environment.An enthusiastic attitude with strong interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and effectively collaborate with other team members across all areas of the organization.Knowledge of one or more of the following areas would be helpful but not mandatory for the position: online or web-based businesses, joint ventures, antitrust and competition law, banking & finance, compliance (including export control sanctions, CTPAT, anti-corruption, data privacy, ESG), internal investigations, procurement, health and safety, and tax. Computer SkillsProficient with computer and electronic resources, including knowledge of MS Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook), Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. Advanced electronic organizational skills required for document and record management and administration.Ability to learn and implement new electronic and digital resources and systems, including automated document assembly software, AI tools and resources.What Powers Your PerformanceSuccess in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:Communicate clearly and constructivelyCollaborate effectively and contribute to team successAdapt to change with a positive, proactive mindsetTake accountability and show initiative in their workDemonstrate reliability and pride in performancePrioritize safety and act with awarenessEmbrace feedback and use it to growMaintain high attention to detailDrive continuous improvement and challenge the status quoSupport and develop others through shared learningHow We Support Your SuccessWe’re committed to helping you thrive- on the job and beyond. That’s why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:Medical, Dental, and Vision CoverageCompany-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term DisabilityProfit Sharing: Up to 4%401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting periodPaid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptionsPaid Holidays: 10 days, plus 1 personal floating holidayPaid Vacation TimePerformance-Based Bonus ProgramTuition ReimbursementSafety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.