Senior Legal Counsel

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Overview of The Role 

The Senior Employment Counsel-USA is responsible for overall advice, case management, leadership training, and execution of the legal activities for Saputo Cheese USA.

You Are Best Suited for The Role If You Have the Following Qualifications: 

• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for the business

• Provide counsel to stakeholders (HR and business leaders) on direction to take in legal matters

• Monitor regulatory changes (county, state, federal) that may impact business policy & practice

• Revise or develop policies that are compliant with current regulations

• Develop & execute training on legal matters for stakeholders. Such as; positive employee relations, FMLA, harassment

• Train HR team members on legal topics such as; proper investigation techniques, disciplinary documentation, manager/supervisor legal responsibilities, compliance, etc.

• Review responses for labor-related topics such as: grievances and arbitration

• Interpret and provide guidance on compensation & benefits-related topics such as; paid sick leave, equal pay

• Manage interaction with outside Counsel when applicable for litigated matters

• Negotiate settlements for legal complaints as necessary

• Oversee gathering of data and documentation in preparation for litigation, arbitration, and/or mediation

• Respond to EEOC complaints, OSHA investigations, and/or other administrative actions

• Liaise with corporate Saputo legal team

• Negotiate, write and review agreements and contracts on behalf of the Company as needed

• Research and anticipate unique legal issues that could impact the Company

• Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

• Travel is required as needed; less than 20%

We support and care for our employees and their families by providing: 

• Values that align with the Saputo culture

• Knowledge of business principles

• Knowledge of human resources principles; hiring, employment, discipline, labor relations

• Proficiency with the legal statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances related to employment law

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills along with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization

• Strong negotiating skills with both legal and financial/commercial issues

• Ability to present range of legal risk from most conservative to most risky and recommend proper path for business to take

• Ability to form strong relationships with the organization’s legal department across the business

• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision

• Proficiency with software such as LaborSoft, LexisNexis PCLaw, and Microsoft Office suite

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 8-10 years of law practice at a national firm and/or in-house employment experience

• Employment law experience required; Labor law experience preferred

EDUCATION, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctorate required

• Must be admitted to a recognized bar and be certified to practice law in one or more of; Wisconsin,  Texas or California required

Salary range: $128,800 - $169,050

*Salary offers will vary commensurate with experience, education, skills, and training. 

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join its family.

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about