Director of Legal Affairs

At MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions (“MacMiller”) we make buildings work better. As the Northwest’s leading mechanical contracting firm, we design, deliver and service HVAC, plumbing and automation system solutions for commercial buildings. With our over 1500 employees across 15 offices, there is a breadth and variety of work to keep you engaged and inspired.  

We enjoy a well-respected history of exceeding our customers’ expectations and executing with distinction. Our clients trust their toughest projects with our integrated teams, including:  

• New construction – Engineering, fabrication and installation of mechanical systems for new projects following lean construction practices  

• Special projects – Retrofits and mechanical repairs for existing buildings for new efficiencies  

• Service - scheduled preventative maintenance ensuring tenant comfort, and 24/7 emergency response  

• Building performance – Control systems, fault detection, energy services and remote monitoring 

People love to work at MacDonald-Miller, and it’s because we all share the same Core Culture Values:

• Collaboration – Diverse players, one team, a common vision. Collaboration is our foundation and critical to the success of the company. Every team member is valued and brings a diversity of strengths to help us meet our common vision. 

• Dedication – We are dedicated to personal and professional excellence. We execute with distinction by doing the right thing and following through on our commitments.  

• Safety – Everyone deserves a safe workplace. Safety is more than hardhats and boots, it’s an attitude and the environment we create. Every day, everyone goes home to their families.  

• Community – We are proud to be part of MacDonald-Miller. We actively seek to build relationships and know each other as individuals. Together we create an environment that is welcoming, caring, and trusting.  

• Innovation – We are committed to continuous, creative problem solving. Innovation is how we stay an industry leader. We always strive to challenge and better ourselves. 

• Fun! – Take the work seriously, but never take ourselves too seriously. It’s possible to be both serious professionals and good-natured people you enjoy working with. We strive to be both.

Requirements

Director of Legal Affairs: This is where you come in. 

We’re looking for a Director of Legal Affairs to provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of MacDonald-Miller’s commercial construction projects and business contracts, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders and senior management. You will be drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction agreements, ensuring compliance with federal and multi-state licensing and regulatory requirements, liens and other collection fillings, litigation, commercial insurance claims management and risk management. In return for achieving aggressive goals, you’ll get rewarded with more to own, a ton of growth opportunities, and more freedom than you’ve probably ever had.   

Top deliverables in the first year to be a hero: 

• Contract Management, Compliance & Negotiation 

• Construction Risk Management 

• Legal Advisory & Relationship Management 

• Corporate Governance & Insurance 

The Director of Legal Affairs role reports to Christian Geismann – Chief Financial Officer on a collaborative team working on a variety of projects and initiatives to support our growing business. This highly visible role interacts with all levels and functions within the organization. 

Your Background: What kind of person will thrive in this role? 

You will be expected to... 

Contract Management, Compliance & Negotiation:  

• Draft and review construction agreements and other instruments for the best interest of the project and mitigation of risk for MacDonald-Miller.  

• Lead contract negotiations with internal partners and contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to secure favorable terms and mitigate risks. 

• Create and uphold standardized agreements, purchase orders, lien/stop payment notice forms, and related processes to ensure compliance with federal and multi-state laws and company policies.

Construction Risk Management:  

• Ensure corporate compliance with multi-state licensing, insurance, and regulatory requirements.  

• Lead the risk management team and create and maintain company policies and protocols related to construction and building services delivery.  

• Responsible for strategies for managing warranties and ensuring compliance with warranty obligations.  

• Strategically engage with quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes and teams to ensure construction projects meet all regulatory and contractual standards.  

Legal Advisory & Relationship Management:  

• Manage legal compliance activities including (but not limited to) contract review, governmental or client investigations or sanctions, customer lawsuits, customer bankruptcies, secretary of state filings, etc.  

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other internal teams to ensure alignment and effective communication on construction related legal matters.  

• Manage pre-litigation dispute resolution and litigation ensuring effective resolution in the best interests of MacDonald-Miller.  

Corporate Governance & Insurance:  

• Serve as key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures.  

• Oversee the selection, retention, and management of outside counsel.  

• Advise on legal aspects of the company’s governance and financing, assessing, and advising on business structures and legal entities. 

You should have… 

• 5+ years of progressive in-house experience in legal roles within the construction industry in Washington or Oregon. 

• A track record of successful litigation and dispute resolution related to construction matters. 

• Expertise in compliance of multi-state licensing, insurance, and regulatory requirements. 

• Experience in identifying opportunities for and implementing process improvements within a legal department. 

• JD degree; admitted to the Washington bar association. 

And everyone you work with should describe you as… 

• Confident with exceptionally high levels of ownership and integrity 

• A strong communicator and collaborator 

• A passionate leader with a can-do attitude 

• Someone with initiative and great problem-solving skills 

And you should be motivated by… 

• The opportunity to strategically guide MacMiller's legal compliance and risk management to ensure ethical practices and protect internal interests. 

• Empowering yourself to learn how to do something.  If you need a ton of handholding or a micro-manager boss, this is not the place for you 

• Working in a lean, results-oriented environment, where you’ll be expected to do more, take on more, and achieve more every year 

• Having fun in an environment high on transparency, open to innovative new approaches with a supportive family feel 

Benefits

Compensation: $175,000 - $200,000 annually 

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions presently provides employee coverage for: 

• Medical, dental, vision for employees (coverage available for dependents for shared premium). 

• 401k retirement plan including Company matching. 

• Vacation and Sick Compensation (PTO), and Holiday Pay! 

• Disability income protection including short term and long-term disability. 

• Employee and dependent life insurance. 

• Wellness Program. 

• Employee Assistance Program. 

Where you will work

Our Seattle HQ office (17930 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188) has easy access to the SeaTac International Airport, ample secured parking, and newly renovated office facilities - not to mention great views! Neighborhood amenities include an onsite deli, restaurants, and convenient freeway/airport access. 

Interested in learning more?  

If you’re ready for an adventure and are interested in being considered for this role, click apply to start the conversation! Or if you know someone who currently works at MacDonald-Miller, reach out to them to get introduced to the team! 

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.