Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
5-7 years of experience in corporate regulatory law or compliance practices.
Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
Experience directly engaging with regulatory agencies, including inspections and inquiries.
In-house legal experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Responsibilities
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory changes affecting food manufacturing.
Draft comment letters and coordinate with industry associations on proposed regulations.
Brief leadership on regulatory risks and translate complex shifts into business strategies.
Support the implementation of new regulations through gap assessments and remediation plans.
Serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies, managing inquiries and inspections.
Handle regulatory submissions and maintain compliance documentation.
Conduct legal research and evaluate compliance policies and training for alignment with laws.
Benefits
Health insurance options, including dental and vision coverage.
Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Employee discounts on company products.
Full Job Description
What You Do.
Monitor federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments affecting food manufacturing, including FDA and USDA rulemaking, Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act developments, Federal Meat Inspection Act requirements, and state and local food safety laws
Support government affairs initiatives, including analysis of proposed legislation, preparation of comment letters on proposed rules, and coordination with industry associations and trade groups as directed by the General Counsel or the Vice President, Legal and Compliance
Brief senior leadership on emerging regulatory risks and opportunities, translating complex regulatory developments into practical business guidance
Support cross-functional implementation of new and amended regulations, by providing support in activities such as gap assessments, remediation plans, timelines, and verification of completion
Partner with Quality, Food Safety, Operations, Supply Chain, and Marketing to embed regulatory requirements into manufacturing processes, labeling, claims, and supplier programs
Serve as a primary point of contact for the FDA, USDA, and state and local food safety authorities, including responses to inquiries, inspections, notices, and information requests and escalate situations in line with internal processes and procedures
Draft and manage regulatory submissions, registrations, and notifications
Provide support to the Director of Compliance in designing and executing compliance roadmaps for new markets and locations.
Assess jurisdiction-specific licensing, registration, and permitting requirements across facilities, products, and distribution channels
Support compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements applicable to Sargento government contracts
Provide legal research and/or review of all compliance policies, programs and procedures
Review all compliance training materials to ensure alignment with all legal and compliance requirements
Research and monitor regulatory enforcement trends and evaluate outstanding litigation on topics relevant to the company, and assess the likelihood of enforcement in areas affecting the business and its supply chain
Analyze the nuances of specific business situations to determine both the likelihood and the potential impact of regulatory risk, and synthesize regulations, guidance, enforcement actions, litigation, and industry practice into clear, actionable recommendations
Counsel business partners in alignment with the company's conservative risk appetite and strategic initiatives, positioning compliance as an enabler of the business
Support other attorneys on the legal team by providing holistic, risk-informed regulatory guidance in support of their business partners
Performs special projects as assigned from time to time by the Vice President, Legal and Compliance, Deputy General Counsel, the General Counsel
Acting as a liaison between the legal team and the business units for effective communication, legal and compliance risk analysis and issue resolution. Assuring consistent understanding and interpretation of applicable laws and regulations by compliance/regulatory team and business units.
Conducting legal research, interpreting legal information, and implementing corresponding changes to internal processes as well as assistance in maturing the compliance function overall.
Have a strong understanding of the company's products and business strategies and keep abreast of legal and regulatory developments that may affect the company.
Communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of staff and management and facilitate the resolution of their compliance concerns. Understand and anticipate departmental needs and corporate matters; deliver high quality service and results ensuring timely follow up on pertinent compliance matters.
Remain current on all policies, procedures, and strategic plans of Sargento Foods Inc. as they relate to the area(s) supported by the corporate legal department.
Provide legal counsel and support to any area of the company as directed by the General Counsel from time to time.
Your Education and Experience.
Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
Minimum of 5-7 years experience preferably in a corporate legal department or law firm with a focus on corporate regulatory law (including FDA/USDA, EPA, DNR, OSHA, SEC, etc.), compliance/regulatory practice, or corporate compliance.
Experience interacting directly with regulatory agencies, including inspections, inquiries, or enforcement matters.
Previous in-house experience is preferred but not required.
