Exec Dir & Assoc Gen Cnsl Trns

This role will lead CME Group’s corporate and commercial transactions legal team of approximately 10 attorneys and legal support specialists located in the U.S. and internationally. This team is responsible for providing legal support for a broad array of transactional matters, including commercial relationships, M&A, and corporate finance. In a leadership capacity, this candidate will manage risk frameworks and resource allocation to ensure matters are handled in a manner consistent with CME Group's goals and strategies. This role reports to both CME Group’s General Counsel and Chief Corporate Counsel.

Principal Accountabilities

• Actively manage and mentor attorneys and legal support specialists responsible for transactional matters (commercial relationships, M&A, and corporate finance) and ensure effective structure and functioning of the group
• Creatively collaborate with business units on transaction structures for a wide variety of commercial and corporate transactions, and manage deal process and execution efforts
• Expertly draft and negotiate complex commercial and corporate legal agreements, supporting growth with a pragmatic approach to risk management
• Provide SEC reporting and corporate governance counsel related to CME Group’s transactional activity
• Coordinate advice across the Legal Department, with support from outside legal advisors and service providers as necessary
• Strategically develop and manage contractual risk frameworks for CME Group’s businesses
• Provide practical legal and business advice to CME Group’s senior management
• Partner with other leaders in the Legal Department to help the department successfully execute its strategy and deliver on its goals
• Proactively identify and help drive continuous improvement in CME Group’s transactional processes

Qualifications & Experiences

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active member in good standing of the Illinois Bar (or eligible for House Counsel status in Illinois)
• 10+ years of experience in commercial contracts and corporate law (including M&A, corporate finance, and some SEC and corporate governance), with a mix of sophisticated law firm training and in-house experience preferred
• Strong ability to manage outside counsel effectively and cost-efficiently
• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to advise executives and internal stakeholders
• Highly organized and adept at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong business acumen, sound legal judgment, and a problem-solving mindset
• Desire to be challenged and grow professionally
• Experience with commodities, derivatives or securities exchanges and financial services a plus, along with a working knowledge of agreements involving technology and data

CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $209,500-$349,100. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program. Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.

CME Group: Where Futures are Made

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it – all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we’re looking for more.

At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.

Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.