VP, Associate General Counsel, Merger & Acquisitions
Date: Jul 7, 2026
Location: Denver, CO, US, 80202
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Denver office, the Vice President, Legal, Merger & Acquisition will be responsible for managing the legal aspects of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and investments. This position partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive strategic growth while ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead M&A Transactions End-to-End
- Oversee legal support for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments globally
- Guide deals from initial strategy and due diligence through execution and post-close integration
- Structure transactions to align with business, financial, and legal objectives
Legal Advisory & Risk Management
- Advise senior leadership on risks, deal structures, and regulatory implications.
- Identify legal issues early and develop mitigation strategies
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards
Due Diligence Oversight
- With Corporate Development, lead legal due diligence for target companies and transactions
- Coordinate with internal teams (finance, tax, HR, compliance) and external counsel
- Evaluate contractual, litigation, regulatory, and operational risks
Drafting & Negotiation
- Structure, draft, and negotiate:
- Purchase agreements
- Joint venture and partnership agreements
- NDAs and ancillary deal documents.
- Lead negotiations with counterparties and external legal teams
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Tax, Treasury, HR, and Compliance teams
- Align legal strategy with broader corporate growth and integration efforts
Manage External Counsel & Budgets
- Select and oversee outside counsel
- Manage legal spend and ensure efficient execution of transactions
Post-Merger Integration
- Provide legal guidance on integration planning and execution
- Ensure alignment of governance, contracts, and regulatory obligations post-close
Leadership & Team Development
- Collaborate with legal team members supporting M&A activities
- Build scalable processes, playbooks, and best practices for transactions
- Track record of effectively counseling and influencing senior executives
Requirements and Preferred Skills
ABOUT YOU
- Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to at least one state bar
- Typically 10–12+ years of M&A legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
- Deep expertise in:
- Corporate law
- M&A transactions (public/private)
- Deal structuring and negotiation
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex deals
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strategic thinking – Aligns legal advice with business growth objectives
- Negotiation expertise – Drives favorable outcomes in high-value transactions
- Risk assessment – Identifies and mitigates legal exposure
- Project management – Manages multiple complex deals simultaneously
- Stakeholder influence – Engages executives and cross-functional partners
- Communication – Excellent written and verbal skills for legal and business audiences
- Team focus – Works effectively with others in the Legal Department and across functions to achieve company objectives
Pay & Benefits
- Full-Time
- Salary Range: $275,000 - $325,000
- Bonus Eligible
- Equity Eligible
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
- Eligible for Flexible Time Off
- 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
- Tuition Reimbursement
Why Gates?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Work Environment
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
Nearest Major Market: Denver