Head of Legal Compliance & Insurance North America

Now Hiring! Head of Legal, Compliance & Insurance - Americas

Location: Southfield, Michigan

Company: BASF Coatings LLC

This is a hybrid position, with attendance in the office expected at least 3 days per week

We are seeking an experienced legal professional for the position of Head of Legal, Compliance & Insurance Americas for BASF’s Coatings division (Coatings). This position will be responsible for providing and managing legal and compliance advice to Coatings business units in North, South and Central America. You will lead the Coatings legal team in the region and you will report operationally to the General Counsel of Coatings and will be part of his General Counsel Management Team (GCMT). Prior legal experience with commercial transactions, competition and corporate law, insurance and compliance matters in an in-house, international environment is required. Familiarity w labor and employment issues is a plus. Trade compliance familiarity is preferred. This position will further help to anticipate potential litigation and compliance risks. Chemical, automotive or manufacturing industry expertise is highly preferred.

BASF and Carlyle, in partnership w Qatar Investment Authority, have entered into a binding agreement related to BASF’s Coatings and surface treatments businesses. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026. This position is integral to the completion of the transaction and future success of the business.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• In this role, you are fully empowered and accountable for managing the affairs of Coatings in the field of Legal, Compliance & Insurance in the Americas.
• You lead the Coatings Legal, Compliance & Insurance team with other in-house lawyers in US and other countries in the Americas.
• You are accountable for providing strategic advice and comprehensive end-to-end legal & compliance support to the management, business units, operations and functions of Coatings in the Americas. You provide independent advice in all legal matters, with emphasis upon general corporate, commercial and contract law, including antitrust issues and M&A.
• Act as Corporate Secretary for several Coatings companies incorporated in the Americas.
• You advise and support Coatings in the area of compliance, including matter investigation and handling, HR and labor issues, personnel training and corporate governance.
• You manage external counsel relationships and legal services consultants in all countries of the Americas and steer their provision of services and manage external legal budget.
• You implement all global, regional and national Coatings policies, and customize such policies for implementation in the Americas.
• You act as the primary contact for legal issues with third parties, and with federal, provincial and state governmental and regulatory authorities.
• You report to supervisors and company management on all material legal matters, including compliance cases, major claims, projects and legal development

If you have...

• Juris Doctorate and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum ten (10) years of legal experience required; prior in-house legal experience in an international, manufacturing environment preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and project management skills; leadership experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in the areas of commercial transactions, such as sales, procurement and/or manufacturing, and including negotiation lead, as well as proficiency in antitrust/competition laws required .
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Divestments experience required. Trade compliance oversight and tariff risk management experience a plus. Excellent ability to network and collaborate, organized and detail oriented.
• Spanish language skill a plus, as is an international mindset. Ability to think strategically required.
• Commitment to client service in a fast-paced business environment, proactive, resourceful, responsive, and efficient. Ability to pragmatically and concisely communicate complex legal issues to non-lawyers and all levels of personnel and management.
• Equity-driven with demonstrated ability to excel in a dynamic environment and work well with people from diverse demographics. Sound and independent judgment grounded in an understanding of the business. Some travel required, but estimated at less than 15% of full time responsibilities.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [email protected] to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.