Legal Counsel, Commercial

Work Location: Chicago

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

We are seeking a collaborative and business-minded attorney to join our legal team. Serving as primary counsel for assigned business functions, this role focuses on commercial risk assessment and mitigation, contract drafting, and negotiations to drive business objectives. The ideal candidate will serve as a strategic business partner, bringing both legal expertise and commercial acumen to help unlock Ferrara's global ambitions.

The Legal Counsel, Commercial, reports to Ferrara's Vice President and General Counsel, Commercial.

Ways you will make a difference

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements supporting cross-functional business matters including but not limited to sales, distribution, procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.
• Identify and manage legal risk to ensure Ferrara's interests are protected and provide practical advice to cross-functional stakeholders to achieve business goals.
• Handle commercial dispute resolution in compliance with internal policies and applicable laws.
• Manage legal matters for Mexico and Thailand plant operations and facilities, including facility agreements, supplier contracts, operational compliance, and regulatory compliance.
• Support the continuous improvement of contract templates, legal processes, and procedures to optimize and promote efficiency in contracting processes across Ferrara.
• Engage and manage outside counsel as necessary, ensuring alignment with business objectives in a cost-effective manner.
• Support ad-hoc legal projects and matters as assigned, providing flexible and responsive legal support across the organization.

Skills that will make you successful

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to reduce the complex to understandable, actionable steps.
• Intellectual curiosity and strong critical thinking.
• Strong communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts.
• A business-centric risk-based approach when providing legal advice.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Embrace and encourage diversity of thought and open expression of ideas and opinions.
• Ability to influence results and to prioritize as needed.

Required Attributes

Collaborative: Works effectively in team environments, seeks input, and shares knowledge across the organization.

Business Partner Mindset: Understands business drivers, proposes practical solutions, and communicates legal concepts in business terms.

Enthusiastic & Proactive: Solution-oriented with initiative to identify issues and add value beyond assigned tasks.

Tech-Savvy: Comfortable with technology and quick to learn new legal tools and platforms.

Strong Communicator: Adapts communication style to different audiences and delivers clear, concise messages on complex matters.

Experiences that will support your success

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction(s); admitted to the bar and in good standing in the state of Illinois or another U.S. state and able to "waive in" to Illinois
• Minimum of 3-7 years of relevant commercial transactional experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial generalist with in-house experience.
• Spanish fluency, professional working proficiency
• Experience with international legal matters and multi-jurisdictional collaboration
• Proficiency in utilizing contract lifecycle management tools or legal technology platforms
• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $114,500 - $160,200 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.