Sr. Counsel – Corporate & Strategic Transactions

Job Overview:

Reporting to UNFI’s Vice President, Corporate & Strategic Transactions, this position will support the Corporate & Strategic Transactions Team within the UNFI Legal Department by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial/customer agreements supporting UNFI’s business operations, as well as assisting with various projects, initiatives, and other legal matters.

Job Responsibilities:

-65% - Draft, review and negotiate commercial/customer agreements in support of UNFI’s business operations. Proactively assist business with contract interpretation, disputes, and process improvement initiatives.

• 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.
• Review existing contract management processes and develop and implement simplified procedures for the review, negotiation, and approval of commercial contracts.

-15% - Provide legal counsel to operating leaders that effectively supports commercial operations and growth and profit objectives while mitigating risk.
-15% - Assist with other legal and compliance matters, including handling disputes and other transactions as needed.
- 5% - Develop and conduct trainings to support company contracting practices, policies, and initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• J.D. degree or equivalent
• Membership in good standing with a state bar and the ability to register as in-house counsel pursuant to the applicable state rules.

Experience:

• At least seven years of experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, including experience with corporate law and drafting/negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience in wholesale distribution or adjacent industry a plus.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Detail and process oriented.
• Effective contract drafting and redlining skills
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to interact with all levels of management/senior leadership.
• Ability to proactively reach out to other areas of the business to request information and follow up with associates.
• Comfortable in a virtual/electronic environment.
• Have a mindset that strives for continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and be flexible in approach.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.
• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

#LI-Remote