Description:

A Chocolate Manufacturer & Supplier Company has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Corporate Governance:

Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with entity management requirements across jurisdictions.
Support M&A, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions.
Advise on regulatory compliance and corporate policies.
Coordinate with finance and tax teams on legal aspects of corporate structure and operations.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

Oversee and provide guidance on contract negotiations with suppliers, distributors, customers, and other third-party vendors, ensuring all agreements protect the company's legal interests.
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and supply chain agreements.
Create standardized contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and approval workflows to support rapid scaling.
Ensure that contract management processes are streamlined, and legal documentation is accurate and legally sound, while meeting the company's business objectives.
Advise on contract disputes and risk mitigation strategies.

Privacy & Data Protection:

Ensure compliance with applicable data privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, PIPEDA).
Partner with IT and HR to implement and maintain privacy policies and training.
Respond to data subject access requests and manage data incidents.

Employment & Investigations:
Advise HR on employee relations matters, including performance management, terminations, and accommodations.

Conduct or oversee internal investigations related to employee complaints, misconduct, or policy violations.
Support compliance with employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
Support immigration matters by coordinating with outside counsel on visa applications, work authorizations, and compliance with U.S. and Canadian immigration regulations.

General Legal Support:

Assist with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Assist with litigation matters by coordinating document collection, managing discovery responses, and liaising with outside counsel on case strategy and filings.
Assist with litigation matters by coordinating document collection, managing discovery responses, and liaising with outside counsel on case strategy and filings.
Collaborate with external counsel as needed.
Provide training to internal stakeholders on legal and compliance topics.

Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Physical Requirements:

General office environment with majority of time using computer

Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements:

Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures and code of conduct
Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor v. office

Performance Expectations:

Provide expert legal advice and counsel on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring the company's interests are protected.
Provide guidance and mentoring to support the skill development of others.
Develop and maintain corporate policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and best practices.
Manage litigation matters, disputes, and potential legal actions, representing the company's interests.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the company's legal framework supports its business strategy and growth objectives.
Stay up to date on evolving legal environments, ensuring the company's operations remain compliant.
Operate within the core values of respect and care for others.

Skills and Experience Requirements:

7 plus years of legal experience, with a mix of law firm and in-house experience preferred.
Strong background in commercial contracts, employment law, privacy and corporate governance.
Experience in the food or manufacturing industry a plus.
Excellent judgment, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment.
Team management experience.
Japanese business experience a plus

Education:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing.
Licensed in Illinois or eligible for limited admission as in-house counsel in Illinois.