Location: Jersey City, NJ In person 5 days a week
Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President
Princeton Legal Search Group, LLC, has been retained on an exclusive basis by Goya Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. and the largest Hispanic-owned food company, to lead the search for an experienced bilingual General Counsel.
As General Counsel of Goya Foods, Inc. ("Goya"), the successful candidate will protect Goya's legal rights and interests and provide sound legal and business advice and counsel to Goya's board of directors, senior executives, and managers. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable and a proven, experienced team player able to provide leadership in the following areas of responsibility: corporate transactions, corporate governance, labor and employment law, intellectual property, real property, government affairs and relations, crisis management, and litigation.
Key ResponsibilitiesCorporate TransactionsProvide strategic oversight and guidance on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financing activities, and other corporate transactions.Negotiate and draft complex commercial agreements to support business initiatives.Collaborate with internal teams to manage deal flow, conduct due diligence, and ensure seamless execution of transactions.Corporate GovernanceProvide sound legal and business advice and counsel to Goya's board of directors, senior executives, and managers to protect its legal rights and interests with the gravitas and good business judgment of a senior executive member of the executive leadership team.Develop and oversee a governance structure that ensures accountability, transparency, and adherence to regulatory requirements, including drafting and updating bylaws, committee charters, and corporate policies, while promoting a culture of ethical decision-making across the organization.Litigation and Risk ManagementLead strategy for dispute resolution, including managing outside counsel for litigation and arbitration.Advise on risk mitigation strategies and oversee insurance policies and claims management.Serve as a key advisor on corporate governance and fiduciary obligations.Managing Outside CounselDevelop and maintain a strategic approach to engaging outside counsel to complement internal legal expertise.Oversee selection, retention, and management of outside counsel across all practice areas.Negotiate fee arrangements and monitor budgets to ensure cost-effective legal representation.Act as the primary liaison between external legal teams and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with company objectives and priorities.Assess the performance and value delivered by outside counsel on an ongoing basis.Compliance and TrainingDesign and implement comprehensive compliance programs to adhere to federal, state, and international laws.Develop and deliver training programs for lawyers and executives on critical legal issues, including anti-bribery, privacy, and cybersecurity.Monitor and address changes in regulatory landscapes impacting the business.Generative AI Use Policy Adoption and Implementation.Labor and EmploymentAdvise on labor and employment matters, including employee relations and compensation structures, and ensure HR policies comply with state and federal laws.Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations across jurisdictions.Lead investigations and resolve employment disputes.Strengthen and defend driver and sales broker independent contractor business models.Negotiate renewals of long-term collective bargaining agreements.Intellectual Property (IP)Develop and manage IP strategy to protect the company's innovations, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.Partner with R&D and product teams to identify, register, and defend IP assets.Manage IP prosecution, litigation, and licensing agreements.Trademarks and Brand ProtectionProtect and manage the company's trademarks and other brand assets.Oversee enforcement against unauthorized use of intellectual property.QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school; admission to any State Bar (NJ or NY preferred) and the commitment to secure an NJ in-house counsel license.At least 15+ years of legal experience with a combination of law firm and in-house counsel roles.As a senior executive team member, demonstrate expertise in corporate transactions, IP, litigation, compliance, and labor/employment law.Proven ability to connect, lead, and manage legal teams and collaborate across executive leadership.Strong international business acumen with the ability to align legal strategies with business objectives.Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.Some travel is required.Bi-lingual in Spanish and English.Key AttributesLeads and practices with the highest integrity and ethical standards.Strategic thinker who can anticipate and address potential legal challenges.A results-driven leader capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Commitment to fostering a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization.Compensation Range$350-450K, including a discretionary bonus, monthly car allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K.The final salary will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, training, skills, competencies, and experience.
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