Associate General Counsel

Role Overview

The Associate General Counsel is a senior individual contributor and a trusted advisor to business leaders across Welch’s. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this attorney independently manages a broad legal portfolio, with primary responsibility for complex commercial contracting and strategic business counseling, as well as compliance, litigation, employment, and other strategic matters. The role calls for an experienced commercial attorney who can move fluently between strategy and execution: framing risk for decision-makers, leading sophisticated negotiations, and developing solutions that protect the company while enabling business priorities. Success requires sound judgment, executive-level communication, and the ability to influence outcomes without relying on formal authority.

Core Accountabilities

• Independently handle structuring, drafting, review, and negotiation of material commercial agreements with suppliers, licensees, distributors, contract manufacturers, and other strategic business partners.
• Own legal strategy and execution across the full lifecycle of complex commercial matters, from issue identification and deal structuring through negotiation, escalation, and implementation.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to leaders and business partners at all levels of the organization on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear options and practical recommendations that enable informed, timely business decisions.
• Participate as an accountable member of cross-functional teams, bringing a legal and enterprise-risk perspective while sharing responsibility for business outcomes.
• Advise human resources and business leaders on employment and labor matters, workplace investigations, and policies and procedures.
• Manage litigation and other disputes in partnership with external counsel, including development of strategy, oversight of execution, and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop policies, training, tools, and preventive guidance to strengthen legal compliance and reduce risk.
• Identify and assess legal and business risk, exercise judgment on escalation, and develop solutions that appropriately protect the company while supporting growth.
• Strengthen legal processes, capabilities, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and the quality of legal support across the organization.

Scope and Impact

• Autonomy: Must operate with substantial independence on complex matters, applying seasoned judgment and escalating issues appropriately.
• Influence: Must possess strong communication skills to advise stakeholders and influence without authority across functions and levels, including senior leaders and external business partners.
• Complexity: Must balance competing demands to deliver timely, strategic advice on legal, regulatory, commercial, and reputational considerations in matters with meaningful enterprise impact.
• Business-First Mindset: Must integrate legal advice with business objectives, build strong relationships at all levels across the organization, and help cross-functional teams reach practical, executable decisions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing.
• Active bar membership and authorization to practice law.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Substantial experience independently drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to advise business leaders, evaluate competing risks and priorities, and deliver practical legal solutions in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience at a large law firm and/or as corporate in-house counsel strongly preferred.

What You’ll Enjoy

• Inclusive culture: Join a workplace where you belong, are encouraged to share your voice, and have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate community: Make an individual impact on the success of the business while working alongside colleagues who care deeply about what we do.
• Hybrid work model: Enjoy a flexible and collaborative work environment designed to support well-being, productivity, and connection.
• Paid time off