See's

Director, Legal Services

South San Francisco, CA Full time

Work is Sweet!


'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing great customer service.

Job Description Summary:

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing E-commerce business and growth and opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:
The Director of Legal Services provides strategic, hands-on leadership for See’s Candies’ legal and compliance functions, overseeing all aspects of corporate legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and policy governance. This role ensures the protection of See’s interests across a diverse landscape, while driving excellence, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders including Human Resources, Operations, and Executive Leadership.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between$260,000k-$290,000k per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience

Job Description:

Director, Legal Services

Job Duties

This position is based in South San Francisco and reports directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Director of Legal Services manage the legal, regulatory and policy affairs of See’s Candies. They will also provide legal counsel, guidance, and strategic advice to corporate leadership in all aspects of an operationally diverse business. In addition, they will provide counsel and direct compliance with respect to regulatory and company policy objectives for various administrative and general functions. They will oversee the protection of See’s Candies’ rights during litigation and negotiation of disputed matters.  The Director will support the resolution of collective bargaining and other employee relations and dispute resolution matters. They will direct outside counsel and manage contractual and legal obligations with parties outside See’s Candies.
 

Job Responsibilities

  • Oversee the activities of the legal department and provide legal advice to senior management regarding contracts, regulatory requirements, and intellectual property.
  • Manage legal matters critical to the organization, including compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and international laws, in conjunction with outside counsel.
  • Provide legal advice in matters including internal governance, audit compliance, risk management, and operational and financial performance.
  • Lead and support strategic business initiatives including employee safety, employee development, budget administration, and organizational goals.
  • Develop strategic and operational plans for control, management, and improvement of legal capabilities.
  • Ensure alignment with company goals and objectives, including training and administration of compliance.
  • Participate in the development of corporate and departmental business plans.
  • Select and manage outside counsel as necessary.
  • Monitor and maintain current knowledge of industry trends in legal and compliance matters, especially in retail, confection, and food processing industries.
  • Support employee policies and procedures, including workplace safety rules and adherence to legislation and policy objectives.
  • Manage and support negotiation and administration of collective bargaining and associated labor matters, such as grievances and regulatory filings.
  • Work closely with Human Resources and company leadership in supporting employee relations and ensuring compliance with personnel regulatory requirements.
  • Review and prepare defense for legal actions or advise on prosecuting lawsuits on behalf of the organization.
  • Coordinate and review the work of internal or external legal staff.
  • Provide input to strategic decisions affecting the legal function and resolve escalated issues requiring coordination with other departments.

Candidate Profile

  • JD and licensed to practice law in California required.
  • Five to ten years of experience representing corporate interests as internal counsel or in a law firm.
  • Be familiar with trademark and intellectual property law relevant to food production and merchandise.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills with demonstrated leadership and collaboration abilities.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Project management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently.
  • Willingness and ability to travel periodically for projects, hearings, litigation, and negotiations.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).