Counsel, Marketing & Sales (U.S.)

About the role

The Counsel, Commercial (U.S.) provides legal support to enable the company’s commercial objectives in the United States by partnering closely with the U.S. Commercial function. The role supports the design and execution of marketing, sales, and commercial strategies for smoke-free products in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory requirements, and company standards.

This position operates as a trusted business partner, delivering proactive, pragmatic, and business-centered legal advice that enables growth while managing legal and reputational risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal counsel to U.S. Commercial teams on marketing, sales, distribution, and promotional activities, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory frameworks, translating legal risk into clear, practical guidance for business stakeholders.
• Identify legal, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with commercial initiatives and develop mitigation strategies and compliant alternatives.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex and evolving legal issues; identify when escalation is required and partner with senior legal leaders as appropriate.
• Prepare legal memoranda, risk assessments, and business focused guidance for internal stakeholders.

Business Partnership & Risk Management

• Establish strong, collaborative relationships with commercial leadership and cross-functional partners (e.g., Finance, Procurement, Compliance) to support informed decision-making.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams ensuring legal considerations are embedded early in business planning.
• Support the development and deployment of proactive legal strategies designed to avoid or minimize exposure to legal or reputational liability.

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, distributor, reseller, and partner agreements.

Governance, Standards & Culture

• Ensure legal services are delivered in a manner that is practical, cost-effective, ethical, and consistent with company values and global legal standards.
• Collaborate with global and regional legal subject matter experts to promote consistency in legal advice and alignment with company policies, global positions, and corporate governance principles.
• Actively contribute to a culture of dignity, respect, inclusion, and integrity across the organization.

Critical Skills & Capabilities

• Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into clear, plain language guidance for non-legal audiences.
• Strong legal judgment with the ability to balance risk management and commercial objectives.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and contract management skills grounded in a strong understanding of business needs.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• High degree of integrity, attention to detail, and comfort operating in situations involving ambiguity or pressure.
• Able to work efficiently with outside counsel.
• Utilize company authorized AI tools to improve efficiency of legal counseling; support U.S. Commercial Law team in exploring new ways of leveraging and developing AI tools to assist in legal support.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience demonstrating applied knowledge of commercial and corporate law, preferably with a mix of in-house and major law firm experience.
• Experience advising commercial or consumer-facing businesses within regulated industries is preferred.

Pay

Annual Base Salary Range: $176,000 - $220,000

Schedule

Hybrid model of working that promotes flexibility in the workplace.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual bonus (applicable based on level of position)
• Great medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401k with a generous company match
• Incredible wellness benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• Generous PTO

What we offer

We offer a competitive base salary, annual bonus (applicable based on level of position), great medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with a generous company match, incredible wellness benefits, commuter benefits, pet insurance, generous PTO, and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.