Description:

Job Description:
Shoe Carnival (NASDAQ: SCVL) seeks a General Counsel to serve as the company's chief legal officer, reporting to the CFO with a strong partnership to the CEO. This role will lead all legal matters for a publicly traded, growth-oriented family footwear retailer with approximately $1.2 billion in revenue, 430+ stores across three banners, and an active M&A strategy. The position is based at our Fort Mill, SC headquarters.

This is a hands-on role in a lean organization. The ideal candidate thrives with autonomy, can navigate ambiguity, and is energized by building legal infrastructure that enables—rather than impedes—business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive team on corporate governance, securities compliance, and strategic initiatives
Lead and execute M&A transactions from due diligence through integration, working closely with the CEO and CFO
Provide guidance on SEC reporting obligations including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings
Manage corporate governance matters including Board and committee support, D&O matters, and shareholder communications
Draft, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts including real estate leases, vendor agreements, and licensing arrangements
Provide guidance on employment law, HR matters, and workplace compliance across multi-state retail operations
Manage litigation and dispute resolution, engaging and overseeing outside counsel as appropriate
Advise on intellectual property protection including trademarks (Shoe Carnival, Shoe Station, Rogan's brands)
Build and manage the legal function with appropriate use of outside counsel and technology

Required Qualifications:

J.D. from accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing
10+ years of legal experience with significant time in-house at a publicly traded company or advising public company clients
Demonstrated M&A transaction experience including deal negotiation, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration
Deep familiarity with SEC reporting requirements and corporate governance best practices
Experience with retail, consumer goods, or multi-location businesses preferred
Track record of building productive relationships with executives, boards, and external stakeholders

Who You Are:
Beyond technical legal skills, we're looking for someone who embodies these attributes:

Critical Thinking: You analyze problems rigorously, question assumptions, and synthesize complex information into clear recommendations. You distinguish between legal risk and business risk.
Business Partnership: You understand that your job is to enable the business, not just protect it. You anticipate needs, understand commercial objectives, and frame legal advice in business terms.
Ownership Mentality: You take responsibility for outcomes, not just activities. When you see a gap, you fill it—whether it's 'your job' or not.
Adaptability: You thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities shift. You can move seamlessly from Board presentations to contract negotiations to employment disputes.
Resourcefulness: You solve problems with what's available rather than waiting for ideal conditions. You know when to handle matters internally and when to leverage outside counsel effectively.
Proactive Communication: You surface issues early, keep stakeholders informed, and translate legal complexity into actionable guidance without being asked.
Self-Direction: You set your own priorities, identify what needs doing, and execute without close supervision. You're comfortable being the only lawyer in the room.