Associate Legal Counsel

• Provides legal support to Gordon Food Service, and its affiliates and subsidiaries, in US and Canada. Conducts research, writing, analysis, and effective communication of legal advice and guidance to the law department, sales, procurement, transportation, warehousing, and stores.
• Provides general commercial contracting support, including but not limited to the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts related to the sales and credit agreements, purchasing of goods and services, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, contractor and staffing, equipment leasing, simple land leases, and other contract matters that would generally arise in the course of business.
• Strengthens processes, tools, templates and technology used to support our Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) program. Identifies gaps in the contracting process, and makes recommendations to the Contract Lifecycle Manager. Supports CLM by drafting standard documents, provisions, and alternate provisions. Helps to maintain the bank of standard contract forms and regularly reviews them to ensure they are up to date with changes in the law.
• Monitors changing law and regulatory environment pertaining to the business and provides updates and guidance, reviews and revises policies and procedures, and provides practical solutions for compliance.
• Willing to support, step up and stand in on any and all other areas managed by the full-service law department, which includes but is not limited to corporate, M&A, real estate, labor/employment, litigation, technology/IT and innovation, marketing, trademarks, food safety, transportation compliance, occupational health and safety, etc.
• Manages ongoing legal matters, including management of outside counsel, and effectively communicates to the business throughout the process.
• Prepares and delivers legal training sessions to company employees, both virtually or in-person.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When you will work:

• Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
• Hybrid schedule, 4 days in office with 1 day remote

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college required
• Licensed to Practice Law in one or more states, Michigan preferred; in the case of Canada, Called to the Bar in Canada
• Law Degree (Juris Doctorate - JD or LLB) required
• 3-5 or more years of post-licensure legal experience required with at least 2 years experience in contract review and drafting. Large law firm training is a plus. Second career lawyers are also encouraged to apply.
• Excellent research and writing skills, including contract drafting and other forms of legal writing; detail orientation a must
• Excellent business acumen and communication (i.e. interpersonal as well as digital), presentation skills
• Excellent time and case management skills; ability to shift quickly between substantive areas of law in a fast paced environment and be timely and responsive to demands/needs
• Emotionally intelligent and self-aware; commitment to professionalism at all times
• "Can-do", service oriented approach toward internal clients; demonstrated ability to work with wide range of clients
• "Global mindset" and collaborative approach with both business owners and legal colleagues
• "Digital first mindset" and ability to create and use legal technology
• Self starting and independent work style, without need for frequent points of contact/supervision throughout the day
• Good judgment and ability to spot issues; knows when to further research or knows when to ask for help or advice
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, strategies or when defending/conveying a point
• High level of integrity exercised internally and in representing the company to outside parties
• Sense of humor, humility and approachability
• English fluency required, additional French or Spanish fluency preferred.
• Must love food!

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.