Job Overview:

 The Senior Legal Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel, Corporate & Strategic Transactions and will be a key member of the Company’s Corporate and Strategic Transactions Legal Team, responsible for: (i) independently negotiating and handling a wide range of vendor and other commercial contracts; (ii) managing UNFI’s intellectual property portfolio; and (iii) providing strategic direction and leadership over other corporate and commercial matters that may arise from time to time. 

The successful individual will provide best-in-class legal services in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner by anticipating, addressing and creatively resolving legal issues, managing a large portfolio of commercial contracts, transactions and other projects in an efficient and effective manner, and proactively providing counsel to the Company in a manner that optimizes business results. The Senior Legal Counsel will have one direct report, a Legal Counsel.

 Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Independently structure, draft, review and negotiate, a wide range of complex commercial contracts and related arrangements, including vendor, transportation, and other commercial contracts, large scale enterprise solutions, outsourcing arrangements, (both as a customer and as a service provider), licensing, procurement.
• 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 periodically review, update and implement contract templates, policies and procedures to align with new business models. 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.
• Proactively engage operating teams to review and evaluate business practices for legal risk and opportunities to improve existing practices to better align with Company objectives.
• Develop a thorough understanding of and familiarity with UNFI’s business, products and strategic objectives; and
• Conduct 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 a State Bar 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).
• 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 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.
• Demonstrated ability to establish proper process and procedures to manage a large portfolio of different types of commercial contracts and transactions and other projects in an effective and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating up, down and across the organization and across multi-geographic locations.
• 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 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. 
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.

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.