Assistant General Counsel

Overview

The Assistant General Counsel at Tabacalera USA provides legal and regulatory support across the company's premium cigar business. This role serves as a trusted advisor on commercial, regulatory, compliance, employment, litigation, and operational matters, ensuring compliance with the complex legal framework governing tobacco products.

Responsibilities

• Achieves overall sales, KPI and profit goals of his/her assigned location.
• Manages day-to-day operations of the store as an on-the-floor leader.
• Performs all functions and ensures employees are effective at executing corporate initiatives in a timely, efficient and resource-wise manner.
• Delegates tasks appropriately and holds team accountable.
• Maintains a comfortable, responsible and safe environment.
• Analyzes store reporting to identify opportunities and implements plans to increase topline retail sales and profitability through product education, events, and outside partnerships.
• Partners with store leadership team to ensure all expenses and costs within the store to achieve positive store contribution and be in line with the set budget objectives.
• Assists Store Manager to recruit, train and lead a team of top performing associates.
• Challenges and inspires others to achieve and execute sales driving initiatives.
• Maintains store staffing levels, proactively and according to the needs of the business.
• Provides coaching in the moment and performance feedback to employees.
• Acts as an ambassador for the brand within his/her market.
• Active participant in local networking, marketing, events and activities.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, across the organization.
• Maintains visual standards to support the brand image.
• Demonstrates an energetic, persistent and professional demeanor.

Qualifications

• Key Responsibilities:
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Provide legal advice regarding federal, state, and local laws affecting premium cigars and other tobacco products.
• Support compliance with FDA tobacco regulations, product registration requirements, labeling obligations, and marketing restrictions.
• Review advertising, promotional campaigns, sponsorships, retail programs, sweepstakes, contests, events, and social media initiatives.
• Advises on tobacco licensing requirements applicable to manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and online sales activities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the premium cigar industry and communicate implications to business leaders.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, inquiries, audits, warning letters, and enforcement matters.
• Support implementation of compliance policies, procedures, controls, and training programs.
• Conduct compliance reviews and investigations involving potential regulatory or ethical issues.
• Commercial Contracting:
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
• Distribution agreements
• Wholesale agreements
• Retail agreements
• Manufacturing agreements
• Supply and procurement agreements
• Marketing and sponsorship agreements
• Consulting agreements
• Technology and software agreements
• NDAs and confidentiality agreements
• Advise business stakeholders regarding contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Marketing and Promotional Compliance:
• Review consumer-facing and trade-facing advertising and promotional materials including product packaging.
• Counsel Sales and Marketing teams regarding age-gating, consumer communications, product claims, and promotional restrictions.
• Employment and Labor Matters:
• Partner with Human Resources on:
• Employee relations matters
• Workplace investigations
• Performance management
• Disciplinary actions
• Reductions in force
• Accommodations and leave issues
• Draft and review employment agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, policies, and handbook provisions.
• Litigation and Risk Management:
• Assist in managing litigation, disputes, and pre-litigation claims.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and monitor legal spend.
• Collect and manage evidence, legal holds, and internal investigations.
• Support insurance claims and risk-management initiatives.
• Corporate Governance:
• Assist with corporate governance activities and corporate record maintenance.
• Support board and committee meetings, resolutions, and corporate filings.
• Assist with subsidiary management and organizational compliance matters.
• Supply Chain Support:
• Advise on import/export matters affecting tobacco products and accessories.
• Support customs and sanctions compliance.
• Assist with OFAC compliance initiatives.
• Compliance Training and Awareness:
• Develop and deliver training on:
• Cigar regulatory compliance
• Code of Conduct requirements
• Sanctions compliance
• Marketing compliance
• Contracting best practices
• Employment law fundamentals
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education:
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Experience:
• 5–10 years of legal experience.
• Experience in-house, law firm, or combination preferred.
• Experience supporting highly regulated industries strongly preferred, including tobacco, alcohol beverage, cannabis, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or consumer products.
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience advising on regulatory and compliance matters.
• Preferred Experience:
• Premium cigar, tobacco, nicotine, alcohol beverage, or other consumer product industry experience.
• FDA regulatory experience.
• State tobacco licensing and taxation experience.
• Employment law counseling experience.
• Litigation management experience.