Director, Employment Counsel will report into the General Counsel for North America and support our North America coffee operations across the United States and Canada. The operations are comprised of approximately 10,000 employees, mostly non-exempt working in our coffee cafes, roasting plants or distribution centers and exempt employees located in Emeryville, California, Burlington, Massachusetts and Montreal, Quebec.
Salary
$190,000 – $230,000
Location
Emeryville, CA – Hybrid, 4 days onsite
Key components of the role and areas of responsibility include:
Advice and Counsel
- Advise internal clients on various employment law issues such as hiring, firing, disciplinary action, investigations, employee separations, leaves of absence, accommodations requests under various disability law, and issues related to restrictive covenants and employee use and access to confidential information and trade secrets.
- Monitor legal developments in critical areas of the law, such as federal, state and local civil rights, labor relations, wage & hour, relevant protected leaves of absence and ADA accommodation and update company policies and procedures accordingly.
- Advise on various compensation matters, health and welfare plans, ERISA compliance, and 401(k) compliance, working with outside benefits counsel as needed
- Develop and deliver legal learning materials and presentations to internal stakeholders for purposes of informing and updating in key areas for compliant business operations
Labor Relations
- In coordination with outside counsel, represent the company in contract negotiations, grievances proceedings, unfair labor practice hearings, arbitrations, and mediations
- Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements through the review, draft and execution of internal company policies and practices.
- Advise management on unionization efforts, campaigns, strikes and pickets
Claims and Litigation
- Responsible for engagement of outside counsel and case management of employment claims and litigation
- Respond to, and represent the company in governmental agency matters, such as EEOC, NLRB, OSHA and similar state and local agency charges
- Represent the company during the management of a matter at strategic phases, such as depositions and settlement conferences
This description outlines the role’s essential functions but may evolve with business needs.
What We Offer:
We’re proud to offer a comprehensive package for full-time employees, including:
- Recharge Time – Paid vacation, holidays, and sick days.
- Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Future You – 401(k) plan with generous match program to help you save.
- Peace of Mind – Life insurance, disability, and options for HSAs and FSAs.
- Everyday Perks – Free coffee, fresh baked goods, and discounts.
- Growth & Support – Career development and an Employee Assistance Program when you need it.
The target annual base salary range for this position is $190k–$230k. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education, certifications or licenses, other legitimate non-discriminatory business factors, and the geographic location of the role. In addition to base pay, individuals in this position may also be eligible to earn bonuses.
