SVP, Admin and (General Counsel)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

1. Develop and implement administrative strategies to support organizational goals.
2. Provide leadership in shaping administrative policies and procedures.
3. Collaborate with senior leadership on organizational strategy and operational efficiency.
4. Identify operational areas for improvement, ensuring the organization remains agile and competitive.

General Counsel:

1. Provide strategic oversight of company’s legal operations ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance with regulations.
2. Ensure all corporate activities, policies and operations comply with local, state, federal and international laws.
3. Provide guidance on matters involving arbitration, mediation, and litigation resulting out of employment disputes.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

1. Oversee and provide guidance on contract negotiations with suppliers, distributors, customers, and other third-party vendors, ensuring all agreements protect the company’s legal interests.
2. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and supply chain agreements.
3. Ensure that contract management processes are streamlined, and legal documentation is accurate and legally sound, while meeting the company’s business objectives.

Budget and Financial Management:

1. Develop, manage, and oversee administrative budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation.
2. Provide regular administrative financial reporting to the CEO and other senior leaders, highlighting opportunities for cost-saving and efficiency improvements.
3. Ensure cost-efficiency in operations and manage contracts and negotiations with vendors and suppliers.

Compliance and Risk Management:

1. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to administrative functions (e.g., employment law, data security).
2. Implement and maintain risk management strategies to minimize organizational exposure to risks related to operations and compliance.

Corporate Governance & Policy Development:

1. Lead the development and enforcement of company-wide policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
2. Provide guidance to the executive team on governance and administrative matters.

Performance Management:

1. Lead and mentor department heads within the administrative team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
2. Set clear objectives for the administration department and monitor performance against these goals.
3. Implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency of administrative services.

Reporting and Communication:

1. Prepare regular reports for executive leadership and the board of directors on administrative functions.
2. Communicate administrative policies and procedures across the organization.
3. Operate within the core values of respect and care for others.

Skills and Work Experience Requirements:

1. Experience as general counsel in a corporate setting a must.
2. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
3. Knowledge of employment law, corporate compliance/risk management and mitigation.
4. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
5. High-level decision-making capabilities.
6. 10+ years of leadership experience in administration, operations, or related areas. Experience in food and beverage preferred.
7. Strong management, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
8. Experience with budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning.
9. Proficiency in project management.
10. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
11. Strong leadership and team management experience.
12. Japanese business experience a plus.

Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or related field, (master’s degree preferred).
2. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
3. Active bar membership in good standing.
4. Licensed in the State of Illinois.

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