Corporate Counsel

Join us at Kreg Tool!

Kreg Tool manufactures a wide variety of tools, accessories, and equipment for woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers. As an employee-owned company, we strive to provide our team members opportunities for personal growth and success and are committed to serving our surrounding communities. Guided by a unique purpose and values, Kreg is dedicated to providing high-quality products to our customers by working together in a motivated, team-based environment.

Headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa (just off I-35 north of Des Moines), we create products that are available throughout North America in the nation’s major home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards. Kreg emphasizes the importance of a healthy work-life integration through its flexible schedule and competitive benefits package. Besides medical, vision, and dental benefits, we also offer a “dress for your day” dress code, onsite fitness center, annual bonus opportunity, and volunteer time off, as well as paid parental leave, and wellness reimbursement. Each employee is a valuable member of the Kreg Team, and we are always looking for our next employee-owner to begin building their career with Kreg.

Corporate Counsel

The Corporate Counsel is a strategic leader who plays a critical role in protecting and advancing the company’s intellectual property, legal interests, and long-term business objectives. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive legal guidance primarily for Kreg’s intellectual property portfolio and new assets. In addition to this primary function, the role will provide guidance for Kreg’s commercial contracts, employment law compliance, and corporate governance.

As a trusted advisor, the Corporate Counsel partners closely with executive leadership and product teams to manage risk, enable innovation, and support ethical and sustainable growth. This position oversees relationships with external counsel and ensures legal practices align with the company’s values, culture, and strategic priorities.

So, What’s the Gig?

Intellectual Property Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Develop, implement, and manage Kreg’s intellectual property portfolio and strategy.
• Oversee patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Work with engineering, product, and marketing teams to identify and protect innovations.
• Monitor competitive activity and enforce IP rights as needed.
• Support licensing, joint development, and technology agreements.

Employment & Workplace Law

• Advise HR and leadership on employment-related matters:
• Monitor changes in employment law and advise leadership on implications.
• Support compliance across U.S. and international operations (including Germany).

General Legal & Business Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including:
  • Vendor and supplier agreements
  • Distribution and licensing agreements
  • NDAs and confidentiality agreements
  • Customer and partnership contracts
• Provide legal guidance on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Serve as primary liaison with external legal counsel.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and proactively manage legal and regulatory risks.
• Support insurance, claims management, and dispute resolution.
• Lead responses to legal disputes, claims, and litigation.

Strategic Partnership & Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board.
• Translate legal risk into clear, business-friendly guidance.
• Support long-term strategy with sound legal insight.
• Model Kreg’s values and help reinforce our culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.

What We’re Looking For:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 8+ years of progressive legal experience, with significant IP exposure.
• Demonstrated experience in patent, trademark, and IP portfolio management.
• Strong background in commercial contracts and negotiations.