Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Kent, OH
Additional Locations: N/A
Work Site: Hybrid
Req ID: 225166
Position Overview:
The Commercial Paralegal plays a key role in supporting Davey’s Legal Department and partnering across our diverse service lines to drive efficient, scalable contract operations. This role is ideal for someone who is highly detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives on taking ownership of processes and projects that improve how work gets done.
At Davey, this position goes beyond traditional contract support. The Commercial Paralegal will serve as a hands-on operator, cross-functional partner, and systems champion, helping to streamline contracting processes that support our field operations, corporate teams, and growing service lines.
Job Duties:
Contract Operations & Lifecycle Management
- Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle across Davey’s service lines, including intake, tracking, execution, and reporting
- Perform first-pass review and redlining of standard agreements (NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, vendor and customer contracts) using established playbooks and templates
- Partner with Legal team members to escalate complex legal or risk-related issues when needed
- Coordinate with business stakeholders—including field leaders and corporate teams—to drive timely contract execution
Process Improvement & Project Ownership
- Take ownership of contract workflows and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and turnaround time
- Lead or support projects that enhance Legal Department operations and better serve Davey’s business units
- Develop, refine, and maintain templates, clause libraries, and playbooks to support scalable growth
- Track contract metrics (volume, cycle time, bottlenecks) and recommend practical, data-driven improvements
Systems & Technology Leadership
- Serve as the primary administrator for the contract lifecycle management (CLM) system
- Drive adoption of CLM tools across service lines, ensuring ease of use for field and corporate stakeholders
- Support implementation and optimization of new tools and technologies that improve contracting workflows
- Act as a resource for teams navigating contract systems and processes
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner effectively with stakeholders across Davey service lines (e.g., tree care, utility, consulting, and corporate functions) to understand operational needs
- Build strong relationships and serve as a trusted, responsive point of contact for contract-related matters
- Balance competing priorities across teams while maintaining a high level of service and attention to detail
Core Attributes & Competencies
We are primarily seeking candidates who demonstrate:
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in high-volume work
- Strong project management skills with the ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution
- A take-charge, ownership mindset—someone who identifies gaps and steps in to solve problems
- Comfort working across diverse teams, including field and operational stakeholders
- Experience supporting or leading technology implementation and adoption efforts
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment
- Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in a professional, operations-focused, or contract support role
- Experience managing workflows, coordinating across teams, and improving processes
- Familiarity with contract management systems, workflow tools, or comparable platforms
Preferred:
- Paralegal certificate
- Experience with commercial contract review (NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, etc.)
- Background in an in-house legal department or law firm
- Understanding of contract structure and negotiation concepts
- Experience working with or supporting multiple business units or service lines
- Familiarity with lease agreements or similar documents
Additional Information:
We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels.
- Group health plans*
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance*
- Life insurance*
- Paid parental leave
- 401k with up to a 4% company match**
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan: opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount
- Holidays and paid time off*
- Payroll savings plan*
- Charitable matching gift program*
- Employee referral bonus program *
- Employee Educational Scholarship*
- Davey Family Scholarship*
- 20% discount on all Davey services*
- Cell phone discounts*
- Vehicle purchase discount program*
- Plus, so much more!
*All listed benefits available to eligible employees on Day 1.
**Union employees are not eligible for 401k but may be eligible to join pension plans negotiated by local union.
