Description:
Position Summary:This Counsel role is expected to lead with a pro-active, business-friendly mindset and have the unique opportunity to work and collaborate with different leadership teams from our Commercial Sales, and cross-functional strategic projects. S/he will play a critical role in overseeing the complex and evolving needs of the business, with a focus on commercial activation and promotion, as well as trade practice compliance for the Sales teams. This role will also be expected to have an ability to negotiate standard customary contract provisions, including indemnification, insurance coverage and IP usage and protection, and take on more complex contract negotiations over time. In addition, an area of growth for this role is expanded responsibilities in managing Company distributor relationships, as well as serving as the legal lead for other business units.
Major Responsibilities / Accountabilities
Handle day-to-day inquiries from the Commercial Sales team nationally which involves: review of local implementation of advertising/marketing programming (asset review, coupon review, sweepstakes review, etc.); creating and implementing innovative trade practice compliance programs (e.g. barrel programs, vending machines) across the Sales organization; draft, review and negotiation of third party contracts (including sponsorships, co-promotions/co-packs, sweepstakes, and eCommerce/digital vendors); and liaising with all levels of the commercial sales team regularly to partner on programming initiatives that reflect current trends/innovations – including vetting of new innovative companies.
Lead and oversee the compliance program for the Sales divisions, which involves: implementation of trade practice compliance and training program for the Company; liaising with Commercial leaders regularly to address state/regional/national legal concerns; serving as legal lead of trade practice investigations; and manage update of intra-net legal resources, including state playbooks.
Establish / manage relationships with Company's distributors' legal teams to drive commercial activation and compliance, as well as participate in distributor contract negotiations.
Lead or support ad hoc commercial projects (e.g., supporting real estate matters, onboarding and offboarding third party agencies, advise venture capital arm of A Beverage Company, in US alcohol beverage regulation requirements, etc.).
Support legal compliance for events at the Company's facilities.
Advise Direct to Consumer (DTC) program, including future expansion into DTC of spirits, and other new sales channels.
Nature & Scope
This employee will be expected to interact regularly and be a collaborative partner with senior leadership in multiple departments (VPs, directors and managers). S/he must have an entrepreneurial mindset and be hyper-focused on finding solutions that enable the Commercial Sales team to drive activation and promotional activities. A practical understanding of each stakeholder's day-to-day business and objectives and an ability to think outside the box and give pragmatic advice is essential. An ability to turn complex legal concepts into business friendly terms and explanations. Must be able to conduct efficient legal review and have confidence in decision-making while also being mindful of which stakeholders (internal/external) need to be involved, and able to discern when an issue requires consultation with senior leaders. Must be pro-active in initiating improvements to current ways of working and be on the constant search for improved efficiencies in how legal advice is delivered and implemented. Develop a cadence of regular communication with stakeholders to anticipate the business' needs. Must be able to conceive, develop and implement/present trainings (both in-person at sales divisional meetings and conferences, as well as e-modules) for the sales divisions at both introductory and advanced levels in creative manner.
Requirements:
Education:
Requires Juris Doctorate Degree. Admission to a state bar is required. Admission to the New York Bar required.
Experience / Background:
3+ years as a practicing corporate or regulatory attorney, preferably with strong contractual skills (including experience negotiating vendor agreements) and general familiarity with new AI legal resources. Demonstrates high learning agility and curiosity in learning all aspects of the alcohol beverage business and approach to advising clients in a pragmatic and business-friendly manner is required. Previous non-legal work experience and/or past experience with alcohol beverage law is a plus. Previous experience working in a highly regulated space a plus (e.g., healthcare). Previous entrepreneurial / commercial experience is a plus. Experience presenting to senior management a plus. Ability to effectively and efficiently work with and manage outside counsel. Ability to work autonomously.
Working Conditions:
General Office: Work is performed in a typical office environment at least 3 days a week in office in company headquarters in New York City. Limited demands for movement and lifting. Normal visual, hearing and language acuity required for correspondence and computer usage.
