Deputy General Counsel-North America

Overview

Our client, a dynamic global food company, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as their lead attorney for their businesses in North America. This role will serve as a strategic legal partner to the leadership and functional teams, and will be responsible for providing practical, business-oriented legal advice and support across a range of areas, including commercial transactions, food and product regulatory compliance, labor and employment, marketing and advertising, and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Provide legal counsel to senior management and operational leaders on a variety of matters including contracts, advertising, food law, labor/employment, and regulatory compliance.
• Review, draft, negotiate and enforce commercial agreements, including advertising agency contracts, broker agreements, master services agreements, license agreements, sales and distribution contracts, co-packing agreement, acquisitions and divestitures, joint promotions and marketing agreements, supply chain contracts, venture agreements, and purchase contracts.
• Partner with marketing and sales teams to ensure advertising, promotional, and labeling materials comply with applicable laws and industry standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, FTC).
• Perform a legal review of new designs, packaging, advertising, claims, Internet content and other promotional materials for compliance with trademark policies, FTC law and regulations, FDA law and regulations, and other applicable statutes and regulations.
• Prepare and prosecute domestic and foreign trademark filings.
• Analyze and prepare defenses against claims of unauthorized uses of trademarks and other intellectual property; prepare and prosecute cease and desist letters; and protect and enforce rights to the company’s intellectual property.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting food manufacturing, labeling, safety, quality, and distribution and assist in the event of any regulatory issues.
• Collaborate with HR and outside counsel to manage labor and employment disputes.
• Manage pre-litigation and litigation matters in coordination with outside counsel, particularly product liability claims, marketing and advertising claims, employment issues, and contract disputes.

Applicants must have the following qualifications in order to be considered:

• 8 to 20 years of legal experience, with a mix of law firm and in-house experience preferred.
• Strong experience supporting manufacturing and/or consumer goods businesses, particularly in the food industry.
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks relevant to the food industry (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA).
• Experience with food industry regulations, labeling, advertising law, and supply chain agreements.
• Knowledge of product liability, recalls and environmental, health and safety compliance.