KeHE Distributors

Sr Corporate Counsel

KeHE Distributors • $156K — $229K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active license in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
  • 6+ years of legal experience, particularly in commercial agreements.
  • Strong contract negotiation and analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.
  • Provide risk-based legal guidance to internal business partners.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to streamline contracting processes.
  • Assist in managing the company's intellectual property assets.
  • Support compliance with applicable laws and company policies.

Benefits

  • Health and prescription drug coverage from day one.
  • Dental and vision insurance.
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA).
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions.
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
  • Paid time off and sick leave.
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Full Job Description
  • Full-time
  • Pay Range: $156,640.00/Yr. - $229,598.00/Yr.
  • Shift Days: , Shift Time:
  • Benefits on Day 1
    • Health/Rx
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
    • Supplemental life insurance
    • 401(k)
    • Paid time off
    • Paid sick time
    • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
    • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
    • Holiday pay for company designated holidays
    Overview

    At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

    Primary Responsibilities

    The Senior Corporate Counsel serves as a key legal business partner, providing practical and timely legal guidance to support the organization's commercial and operational objectives. This role is primarily responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing a broad range of commercial agreements while partnering closely with internal stakeholders to facilitate business growth and manage legal risk. The Senior Corporate Counsel also supports a variety of corporate legal matters, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance, real estate matters, and strategic projects as assigned. This position requires strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to effectively balance legal considerations with business priorities. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

    Essential Functions

    DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Commercial Contracting

    • Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer and vendor agreements, master services agreements, SaaS and software licensing agreements, technology agreements, supply and distribution contracts, procurement contracts, non-disclosure agreements, professional services agreements, and marketing and partnership agreements.
    • Provide practical, risk-based legal guidance to internal business partners and support contract lifecycle management activities, including the development and maintenance of contract templates, standard terms, and playbooks.
    • Partner with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and other functional teams to facilitate efficient contracting processes and support business objectives.
    • Assist in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal and business risks associated with commercial transactions.

    Corporate Legal Support, Intellectual Property, and Other Legal Matters

    • Assist with the legal review and support of strategic business initiatives, operational projects, and other matters affecting the organization.
    • Provide guidance regarding compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
    • Assist in managing and protecting the company's intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents.
    • Support legal matters related to real estate, compliance, employment, and other areas as assigned.
    • Participate in legal department initiatives aimed at improving processes, efficiency, consistency, and overall service delivery.
    • Other duties and projects as assigned.

    SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

    • Knowledge of commercial contract law, contract negotiation principles, and general business law concepts.
    • Familiarity with regulatory compliance concepts and risk management practices.
    • Demonstrated skill in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements and other legal documents.
    • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and issue-identification capabilities.
    • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
    • Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice that balances risk with organizational objectives.
    • Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
    • Ability to build credibility, trust, and productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
    • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
    • Ability to influence outcomes and drive consensus through collaboration and effective communication.
    Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

    • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
    • Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. state.
    • 6+ years of legal experience.
    • Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
    • Strong contract negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
    • Some law firm experience preferred but not required
    • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
    • Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and provide practical advice.
    • Ability to independently manage projects while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
    Requisition ID2026-30543

About KeHE Distributors

KeHE Distributors is a food distribution company that provides natural and organic, specialty and fresh products to grocery and natural food stores. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois. KeHE Distributors has over 16,000 products and serves over 30,000 customers.
Learn more about KeHE Distributors
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1952

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