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 drafting, negotiating and handling, and leading a team to review, draft and negotiate, a wide range of complex customer contracts and customer credit arrangements, and providing business counsel and legal advice to Region Presidents and senior management in connection therewith, and (ii) providing strategic direction and leadership over other corporate transactions that may arise from time to time. The Associate General Counsel will, among other things, advise on, elevate and/or approve contract terms and conditions, develop, regularly update and implement both new and existing contract templates and continue to work to harmonize agreements across legacy templates and to incorporate updated operational processes 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 attorneys in structuring, drafting, reviewing and negotiating, a wide range of complex customer contracts and related arrangements, including customer credit documents; 
• Assist with other corporate transactions as needed;
• 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, pre-litigation 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, drafting and negotiating 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 organizational and 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

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Limited/rare travel 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.