General Counsel

The General Counsel will provide a wide range of legal services and advice to the company. The General Counsel will be responsible for managing the company’s litigation matters, compliance, governance matters, insurance carriers and commercial transactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages and coordinates various litigation matters including product liability claims, commercial disputes, employment claims, consumer claims, and regulatory investigations; provides advice and counseling in relation to (pre-litigation) commercial disputes; provides litigation and risk avoidance counseling to the various business units; selects and manages outside counsel for various litigation matters; coordinates with insurance carriers/adjusters in relation to insured claims; and manages legal costs associated with such legal actions.

Provides legal counsel and advice on a broad range of legal topics including: antitrust compliance, anticorruption, food manufacturing and safety regulations, employment matters, ethics, confidentiality and intellectual property.

Develops policies, procedures, and training to ensure legal compliance.

Drafts and negotiates various types of transactional agreements to support the business segments and support teams.

Conducts legal research and investigation on day to day issues, claims, and defenses; develops oral and written advice and presents recommendations to management.

Other duties as assigned.

Job requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.

Experience:

Minimum of fifteen (10) years of corporate law legal experience.

Most recent experience should be in house preferably working with or at companies and businesses in, or comparable to, international commercial environment or food industry.

Prior public company and corporate compliance and governance experience preferred

Experience in contract drafting and negotiation and regulatory compliance matters

Exceptional writing and communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with each level within the company, especially senior and executive management

Driven and self-motivated with a strong desire for learning

Extremely organized with a strong sense of priority, urgency, and commitment to deadlines

Ability to manage a heavy workload and prioritize multiple projects

Ability to work independently while functioning well in a team environment

Ability to understand general business operations, issues, and dynamics beyond the scope of basic legal issues

Strong presentation and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint & Excel)

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately 90% of work is performed in an office environment. 10% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment.