Del Monte Corporation is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte® brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts - available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.
Purpose of Position:
Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Del Monte Corporation, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte®, Contadina® and S&W®.
We are currently seeking a Director, Senior Assistant Counsel - Commercial.
This position serves as a key legal advisor to the North American Foods Division of Del Monte Corporation with responsibility for commercial contracting, business counseling, risk management, supply chain, and operational legal matters across North America. In close partnership with, the Associate General Counsel, this role leads commercial contracting and day-to-day business counseling, with secondary support for disputes, compliance governance, risk management, and operational matters.
Accountabilities:
- Draft, negotiate, and revise a wide range of Commercial Contracts.
- Lead the negotiation, structuring and governance of complex commercial agreements including retail, food service, supply, co-manufacturing, tolling, distribution, licensing, SaaS, logistics, data processing, and nondisclosure agreements.
- Serve as a primary legal advisor to the business, partnering cross-functionally with commercial leaders to improve cycle time and business adoption of standard processes, manage risk, and escalate material issues
- Build, maintain, and continuously improve the commercial playbook with templates, dashboards, and workstreams; drive adoption of AI-enabled contract review; own the CLM platform.
- Lead the management of food-specific commercial risk including supplier quality agreements, cost allocation, indemnity and insurance structures, force majeure and supply-continuity.
- Provide legal support for disputes, pre-litigation matters, investigations, ethics and compliance, governance, ESG, and other operational matters as needed
- Partner cross-functionally with sales, procurement, operations, and other stakeholders to build strong working relationships and deliver practical, business-oriented legal support
- Develop deep familiarity with the company’s products, customers, markets, competitors, and regulatory environment, staying abreast of material developments and providing practical legal and commercial advice on emerging opportunities and risks
- Develop and deliver training to inform internal teams on best legal practices related to commercial operations.
- Follow and meet reporting deadlines set by Company and the Associate General Counsel, Foods.
Minimum Skills Required:
- Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from an ABA Accredited School (MBA or LLM is a plus)
- Licensed or eligible to practice law in the United States.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant law firm and in-house experience, including substantial commercial contracting experience.
- 3-5 years of relevant CPG industry experience.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating supply, procurement, distribution, logistics, technology, and data-related agreements.
- Experience with governance, litigation, investigations, compliance and ethics is preferred.
- Excellent drafting, written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt legal requirements in balanced, creative and pragmatic ways to facilitate clear and open communication at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated experience with commercial contracts lifecycle management, contract playbooks, process improvements, procurement operations and driving automation and other efficiencies is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with a wide range of legal issues and subject matters beyond commercial contracts.
- High personal standards of excellence and ethics, as well as the ability to act with discretion, strict confidentiality and sensitivity towards issues and individuals.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, while managing multiple project and competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to change in a dynamic environment.
- Skills to build strong working relationships and collaborate closely with key cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated business acumen and experience.
- Adaptability, flexibility and creative approach to problem-solving.
Benefits We Offer Include:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Employer-paid life & disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 7 Company Paid Holidays
- 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program
- Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection)
- Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date
***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.***
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.
We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values - Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity - we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.