Closing Date: 27th May, 2024

Description:

Purpose:
The Associate General Counsel will report to the Deputy General Counsel, Corporate & Strategic Transactions and will be a key member of the Company's legal team responsible for (i) independently negotiating and handling, and leading a team to negotiate and handle, a wide range of complex commercial contracts and providing business counsel and legal advice to senior management in connection therewith and customer credit arrangements and (ii) providing strategic direction and leadership over other corporate transactions that may arise from time to time. The Senior Corporate Counsel will, among other things, advise on and approve contracts and other agreements for designated operating departments of the Company, play an integral role in developing and implementing contract templates for new business models and harmonizing agreements in connection with integration of two legacy companies and ensure adherence to the Company's contracting policy and procedures. This position will provide best-in-class legal services in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner by anticipating, addressing and creatively resolving legal issues and providing counsel to the Company in a manner that optimizes business results.

Job Responsibilities:

Independently structure, draft, review and negotiate, as well as lead a lean team of contract attorneys in structuring, drafting, reviewing and negotiating, a wide range of complex commercial contracts and related arrangements, including customer and supplier terms and conditions, customer credit documents, supply chain, merchandising, private label and marketing contracts, large scale enterprise solutions and technology platforms, outsourcing (both as a customer and as a service provider), licensing, procurement and professional service agreements covering cross-functional areas of the business;
Assist with corporate transactions including Market Development agreements and debt financing transactions;
Work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders and develop strong partnerships with operating leaders by providing excellent legal guidance and facilitating efficient resolution of commercial questions;
Structure, analyze and advise on contract interpretation, breach issues, disputes, terminations and remedies;
Review existing contract management processes and develop and implement simplified procedures for the review, negotiation and approval of commercial contracts;
Assist with negotiations involving Company senior management and executive-level representatives of potential partners and contracting parties;
Lead and support other legal staff members in complex commercial contracting and general corporate matters on a project management basis;
Develop training materials and deliver training to operating leaders on critical contract terms, negotiating strategies and related legal and commercial issues;
Proactively engage operating teams to review and evaluate business practices for legal risk;
Provide legal counsel to operating leaders that effectively supports commercial operations and growth and profit objectives while mitigating risk;
Develop a thorough understanding of and familiarity with UNFI's business, products and future goals; and
Assist with drafting corporate policies and conducting training of legal and non-legal personnel within the areas of responsibilities outlined.

Job Requirements:
Education/Certification:

Undergraduate degree from a well-known university/college combined with a J.D. from a highly respected law school
Membership in good standing to the State Bar of Minnesota or the ability to register as an “in-house counsel” pursuant to applicable state court rules

Experience:

11+ years of legal experience gained in a sophisticated law firm environment and prominent in-house legal department, with experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements and finance/treasury transactions (including debt and other financing transactions), as well as managing other attorneys and paralegals
Experience in wholesale distribution and retail industries is a plus

Knowledge:
Strong drafting and negotiation skills and broad corporate transactional background in general commercial contracts, debt/finance and/or M&A is preferred

Skills/Abilities:

Excellent communications skills, written and verbal
Must be a team player, willing to jump in and help out wherever needed on projects
Must also be a quick learner with strong internal motivation and possess initiative, integrity and resilience
Ability to present information and reports to management timely, clearly and concisely
Ability to collaborate, build relationships, gain credibility and partner with others in a complex organization in pursuit of the best possible business and legal terms
Strong project management skills and work ethic, with great attention to details and a “roll up the sleeves” attitude
Ability to navigate, be comfortable with and have the flexibility to adjust in, a collaborative, intense, fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Strong, pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize and communicate the business consequences of legal advice
Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary

Physical Environment/ Demands: