General Counsel

Job Description

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting General Counsel opportunity in our Merriam, KS office The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal officer of Seaboard Foods, providing strategic legal advice to senior management. The General Counsel will manage the 3-member legal department, oversee all legal matters related to business operations, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and mitigate legal risks. This position involves a combination of high-level advisory responsibilities, day-to-day legal operations, and leadership of the legal team to ensure the company operates within the legal frameworks.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. We are a Fortune 500 employer, recently nominated by the Business Journal as one of the “Best Places to Work”, representing our dynamic culture, where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overall responsibility for all legal, regulatory, transactional, compliance and related activities for Seaboard Foods LLC.
• Advise senior management on legal issues, potential risks, and strategic decisions.
• Advise and work with Seaboard Corporate’s EVP/General Counsel on legal issues, potential risks, and strategic decisions.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with current and proposed business activities of the division and its industry through review of new and proposed laws, regulation and litigation.
• Guide any response to various regulatory requests in jurisdictions in and out of the United States
• Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Assist in the preparation of board materials and attend board meetings for Seaboard Foods and its Joint ventures.
• Ensure corporate governance practices are adhered to and provide counsel on corporate policies.
• Serve as corporate assistant secretary and review all corporate formalities including minutes and board meetings of various entities in the division.
• Manage legal reporting to President and Seaboard Corporation General Counsel; review all material legal matters at every operating company in the division on at least a quarterly basis.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Manage the contract approval process and ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Determine the proper balance between utilizing internal legal resources vs. outside counsel by evaluating complexity, internal capability and expense; revise and negotiate all outside counsel arrangements.
• Judge the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the company, work with the appropriate executive(s). Seaboard Corporation General Counsel and outside counsel to define and execute strategy.
• Responsible for keeping the pulse and advising the business on industry legal matters.
• Manage and direct all matters with respect to intellectual property in coordination with management, including all matters related to compliance and protection of trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets in various jurisdictions for controlled affiliate locations.
• Collaborate with HR on employment law issues, including employee relations, labor disputes, and compliance with employment regulations.
• Create vendor contracts and contractor agreements as requested by operating affiliates
• Collaborate with HR on the development and implementation of employment policies and procedures.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the company.
• Develop strategies to address regulatory changes and ensure compliance.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

· Decision Quality

· Directs Work

· Interpersonal Savvy

· Nimble Learning

· Courage

· Customer Focus

· Manages Ambiguity

· Persuades

· Plans and Aligns

· Resilient

· Manages Conflict

· Communicates Effectively

· Strategic Mindset

· Instills Trust

· Situational Adaptability

· Resourceful

· Action Oriented

· Collaborates

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a state bar and in good standing.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, including significant experience as in-house counsel.
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice to senior management.
• Strong understanding of business and industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Preferred:

• Extensive experience in the agriculture industry, with a deep understanding of the unique legal challenges and regulatory landscape affecting agriculture businesses.
• Knowledge of agricultural laws and regulations, including those related to food safety, environmental compliance, land use, pesticide use, and biotechnology.
• Familiarity with international trade laws and regulations affecting the import and export of agricultural products.
• Understanding of antitrust and competition laws as they pertain to agricultural markets.
• Knowledge of legal issues related to agricultural technology (AgTech), including precision farming, data analytics, and digital farming platforms.

SCHEDULE

• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: