PURPOSE:

Independently structure, draft, review and negotiate, a wide range of complex commercial contracts including customer terms and conditions, distribution and third-party logistics arrangements, procurement and professional services, international purchase and distribution agreements, as well as customer credit documents including security agreements, promissory notes and guaranties.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently perform and oversee high-level, sophisticated legal work, often involving complex fact gathering, research, negotiations and drafting.
• 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.
• 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. Assist with drafting corporate policies and conducting training of legal and non-legal personnel within the areas of responsibilities outlined.
• Select, oversee, and monitor effectiveness of outside counsel.
• Drafting typically involves substantial original drafting, as well as creation and modification of standard form documents and inserts, requiring a detailed understanding of complex legal and business principles to address complex issues of contract. Critical functions may include administration of standard form document review and establishment of corporate standards for incorporation in standard form documents.
• Business Law: Complex projects may include acquisitions and sales of assets, major supply, and vendor agreements. Critical functions may include administration of standard form document review and establishment of corporate standards for incorporation in standard form documents

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/ Certifications:

• 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 Rhode Island or the ability to register as an “in-house counsel” pursuant to the applicable state court rules.

Experience:

• 5+ years of legal experience gained in a sophisticated law firm environment with experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements and familiarity with secured transactions (UCC – Article 9).
• In-house experience, particularly in wholesale distribution and retail industries, is a plus.

Skills/ Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish proper process and procedures to manage a large portfolio of various types of commercial contracts and transactions and other corporate projects in an effective and efficient manner.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills and broad corporate transactional background in general commercial contracts, debt/finance and/or M&A is preferred.
• Candidate must be an independent, strategic thinker with a self-starter personality, be a quick learner with strong internal motivation and be possessed of initiative, integrity, and resilience.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating up, down and across the organization and across multi-geographic locations.
• A successful candidate will be unafraid to do things differently than may be the norm and will have a continuous focus on self-improvement in all areas of the role.
• Strong, pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize and communicate the business consequences of legal advice.
• Strong communication (written and oral) skills are required as are critical and analytical thinking.
• 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.
• The successful individual will have the ability to contribute to the structures and terms of business transactions and related projects across the organization, as well as drive the effective management of risk through proper legal analysis and key contractual terms and conditions.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required (up to 15%)

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