Corporate Counsel - Overland Park, KS

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

 

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.

Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Watco Companies, L.L.C. is looking for an experienced Corporate Counsel who’s energized by being a hands-on business partner and helping keep our operations moving safely, efficiently, and compliantly. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you’ll work alongside leaders across our railroad, terminal & port, and logistics businesses—moving deals forward, tackling challenges in real time, and helping teams manage risk with practical, business-minded guidance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate agreements for Watco’s rail, terminal/port, and logistical activities including, but not limited to, letters of intent, purchase agreements, terminal services agreements, rail service agreements, real estate/property agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, construction and procurement agreements, master service agreements, confidentiality agreements, and related transactional documents.
• Independently manage legal matters through all critical stages while balancing legal risk with practical business considerations. 
• Monitor applicable legal and regulatory developments and partner with teams across Watco operations to deliver clear and timely guidance on issues that impact our day-to-day operations and business transactions.
• Provide proactive guidance to help internal stakeholders identify and resolve disputes with customers, contractors, vendors, and industry partners before escalation to formal claims or litigation.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, and ability to obtain license in Kansas.
• Experience advising on real estate matters, including easements, leases, rights-of-way, and infrastructure development.
• Possess 6–10 years of relevant legal experience in transportation, railroad, logistics, infrastructure, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills suited to a fast-paced, operational environment.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Concrete understanding of insurance programs and enterprise risk management frameworks.
• Prior experience managing and supervising outside counsel and vendors.

These job qualifications are intended to describe the general nature and level of work for this position. It is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.