About the Role
Pacific International has been retained by a global manufacturing organization seeking a strategic and business-oriented Corporate Legal Counsel to join at a critical stage of growth and transformation. This role serves as a trusted legal advisor and policy leader, supporting the business across regulatory compliance, government engagement, and enterprise risk management.
The leader will partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure the organization navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment while advancing its commercial and operational objectives. This is a high-impact role for a legal leader who enjoys working at the intersection of law, operations, and public policy.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Leadership
- Serve as a primary legal advisor to senior leadership on regulatory, operational, and commercial matters impacting the business.
- Serve as the primary legal advisor on employee and labor relations, including union and non-union environments.
- Provide guidance on food safety regulations, labeling, manufacturing compliance, employment/labor matters, contracts, and risk mitigation.
- Support corporate governance activities and ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Manage outside counsel relationships and oversee legal spend.
Government & Regulatory Affairs
- Develop and execute the company’s government and regulatory engagement strategy at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting food manufacturing, supply chain, labor, and environmental compliance.
- Build and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and key external stakeholders.
- Advocate on behalf of the organization’s interests while ensuring alignment with business priorities and compliance standards.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Safety, HR, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to proactively address legal and regulatory risks.
- Support audits, investigations, and regulatory inquiries as needed.
- Provide practical, business-focused legal solutions that enable growth and operational efficiency.
Qualifications & Experience
- Juris Doctor (JD) required; active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- 6-8 years of legal experience, with a mix of in-house and/or law firm background preferred.
- Experience supporting regulated industries such as food manufacturing, consumer goods, agriculture, or industrial operations strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, and government affairs frameworks preferred
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate legal requirements into actionable guidance.
- Excellent communication, judgment, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience interacting with regulators, trade associations, or government entities is a plus.
Why Join
- Join a respected, growing food manufacturing organization with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
- Take on a visible leadership role with meaningful influence on strategy and decision-making.
- Work closely with executive leadership in a collaborative, forward-looking environment.
- Opportunity to grow with the organization and shape its long-term legal and regulatory posture.
About Pacific International Executive Search:
Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.
Diversity Statement:
At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact: nichole.lapp@pacific-international.com
