VP, General Counsel

Overview

The General Counsel is directly responsible for all legal matters concerning the Company and its subsidiaries; ensures that the Company's business, practices, policies, and dealings meet regulatory requirements to protect the Company from legal action; manages the Company's defense, interprets and prepares legal documents, and provides counsel to corporate management on legal matters. The General Counsel also serves as Corporate Secretary, responsible for corporate governance of the Company and its affiliates as corporate entities. The General Counsel provides senior management with effective advice on company strategies and their implementation; manages the legal function and oversees the work of outside counsel.

Responsibilities

1. Serve as the Company's Compliance Officer: Monitor case law, regulatory matters, proposed legislation, and other developments related to the Company's business; counsel and advise officers, directors, and corporate personnel on legal and strategic aspects of activities within their assigned areas; participate in defining and developing corporate policies, procedures, and programs, providing continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters.
2. Establish and maintain action programs: Ensure adherence to legislation and regulations from federal, state, and local governments. Conduct relations with federal, state, and local agencies. Provide guidance on all Federal and State labor law policies and issues.
3. Initiate legal action when necessary: Defend the Company in any legal action. Select, retain, and supervise outside counsel as required. Supervise investigations of third-party liability and claims.
4. Participate in establishing business policies: Relate to real estate and construction, administering those functions of the business under established guidelines.
5. Serve as key legal advisor: On all business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Provide legal advice concerning the review and negotiation of contracts, leases, and other legal instruments.
6. Oversee legal aspects of subsidiary formation: Manage the registration, renewal, and protection of domestic and international Intellectual Property, trademarks, and copyrights.
7. Administer the Legal Department function: Prepare budgets, distribute workflow, hire, retain, and supervise department personnel and outside counsel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Guide, direct, and evaluate Associate General Counsel, Lease Administration Department, Senior Paralegals, and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Department.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Law Degree, licensed and a member in good standing of a State bar.
• Licensed in New Jersey or able to obtain Limited In-House licensing in New Jersey.

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of specialized legal terminology, documents, and procedures.

Experience Required:

• 10+ years of broad legal experience in dietary supplements, real estate, intellectual property, corporate and litigation management.
• Direct experience with State and Federal employment labor, with specific experience in California.
• Experience in a retail company of national scale is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Equal Opportunity Policy

The Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer. We respect diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.