The Counsel is a corporate generalist legal counsel for the Mars Wrigley business in North America. The incumbent will be an effective business partner to the North American business and is accountable for providing legal support for decisions to grow business, manage legal risks and protect the brands and reputation while ensuring compliance with company's policies and applicable laws.
This role is based in Newark, NJ.
What are we looking for?
Excellent academic credentials, including a J.D. from an accredited and respected law school.
7+ years of legal experience required. Experience in both a well-respected law firm and in the legal department of an international company is a plus.
Broad-based substantive legal experience, including drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial agreements (e.g., sales, distribution, supply, licensing, marketing, etc.), is preferred.
Experience in the CPG sector and with or supporting a private company is a plus.
Experience with Antitrust, Food/Regulatory, and/or Marketing/Advertising Law is a plus.
Experience directly counseling to business clients is a preferred.
Strong business acumen.
Can act decisively in a fast-paced business environment.
Capable of analyzing complex legal and policy issues from a commercial perspective.
Good relationship and influencing skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Must be a self-starter, highly motivated with a bias for action (strong work ethic) and able to function independently.
Good interpersonal skills.
Strong, flexible team player and collaborator that works to meet both personal and organization goals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including communication with business clients regarding legal risk analysis.
Excellent organization, execution and project management skills.
What would be your key responsibilities?
Working with other members of the Americas legal team, develop and implement legal strategies for the business, which will enable the growth of the business and effectively manage legal risks.
Understand the key business issues that drive the legal issues, and consistently make commercial legal decisions that support achievement of the business objectives.
Effectively assess risks and opportunities to mitigate risks and influence business decisions in light of these assessments.
Support efforts in relation to legal and regulatory compliance and the Five Principles.
Partner with the Trademark team to drive brand optimization and trademark enforcement and with the Patent team to maintain trade secrets and patent enforcement.
Collaborate and partner with the regional and local cross-segment legal counterparts across Mars, Inc. to ensure a consistent and aligned "One Mars" approach on key matters and issues.
Provide independent legal support to functional business clients as appropriate and in other instances work in collaboration with colleagues on the Americas legal team and with other legal peers across the Mars, Inc.
What can you expect from Mars?
The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
An industry competitive compensation package including generous benefits (e.g., 401k, health, etc.)
Commitment to our Purpose and our Five Principles.
An environment where all Associates feel valued, supported, and comfortable being themselves at work.
The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come.