Assistant General Counsel

Assistant General Counsel – Environmental, Sustainability & HSESManufacturing / Chemical Industry | Strategic Leadership RoleA rapidly-growing, mid-sized industrial chemical manufacturer is seeking an experienced Assistant General Counsel to serve as a strategic legal advisor supporting Environmental, Sustainability, Product Stewardship, and HSES operations across the enterprise.This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an attorney with experience operating at the intersection of environmental law, ESG strategy, operational risk, and executive decision-making. The role will partner closely with senior leadership, manufacturing operations, sustainability teams, outside counsel, and regulatory agencies. You will help drive responsible, compliant, and sustainable business practices across complex industrial operations, with a particular focus on air The successful candidate will play a critical role influencing enterprise-wide environmental and sustainability strategy while advising on critical regulatory, operational, and crisis-management matters.This position is for an experienced and knowledgeable legal practitioner, but who is hands-on and practical, and ideally has a working knowledge of engineering/ manufacturing operations. You will be a highly-visible leader in the business, and be a key partner in the next phase of growth.What You’ll Be Responsible For:Environmental & Regulatory CounselAdvise the business on environmental laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.Provide legal guidance related to emissions, permitting, waste management, spill response, product stewardship, transportation compliance, and regulatory reporting.Partner with operational and environmental teams to support compliance programs and risk mitigation initiatives.Monitor and interpret evolving environmental and sustainability regulations impacting industrial and manufacturing operations.ESG, Sustainability & GovernanceSupport ESG governance, sustainability reporting, and climate-related disclosure initiatives. Advise on sustainability claims, responsible sourcing, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and product compliance obligations.Help align corporate sustainability objectives with legal and regulatory requirements. Support the development of sustainability policies, supplier standards, and enterprise governance frameworks. Risk Management & Operational SupportProvide legal guidance during incident investigations, crisis response activities, and emergency preparedness planning. Assist with internal investigations and compliance-related matters.Support enterprise risk management initiatives across manufacturing operations. Advise leadership on complex, high-impact legal and operational risks. Strategic LeadershipServe as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and cross-functional business teams.Support HSES management systems and governance frameworks across manufacturing facilities. Manage relationships with external counsel, regulators, and industry organizations Provide legal support for acquisitions, divestitures, facility expansions, and strategic operational initiatives.Provide high-EQ leadership to a multi-level team of 10+ senior environmental, sustainability, and product stewardship employees.What We’re Looking For:Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law. Strong experience advising on environmental regulatory matters within manufacturing, chemicals, industrial, refining, or related sectors. Specific experience in air pollution/ emissions-related initiatives.Demonstrated experience supporting ESG, sustainability, product stewardship, or corporate compliance initiatives. Proven background in major environmental statutes.Working knowledge of environmental regulations and regulatory agencies including USEPA, USDoT, USCG, and related state/federal frameworks.Proven ability to advise senior leadership/ Board-level and navigate complex regulatory and operational environments. Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills. Track record and skills in leading and developing high-performing teams.Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. Travel is estimated to be in the 20-25% range.Located in the North East US and working on a hybrid model, although strong candidates will be considered in other US locations.If this role sounds like a great next step in your career, please apply directly or get in touch with Oliver Davies at oliver.davies@southall-sage.com.