SENIOR COUNSEL, OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE (CHARLOTTE, NC OR CHICAGO, IL)

Job Summary

The Senior Counsel, Operational Compliance is a key legal partner, directly supporting the Director of Operational Compliance in executing and advancing the Company’s enterprise-wide compliance strategy. This role will provide hands on legal and compliance guidance to core stakeholders in enterprise-wide Safety, Food Safety, Allergen Management, OSHA Compliance, Sustainability, Healthcare, Education, and Government Contracting compliance. This role safeguards the Company’s adherence to regulatory standards and internal safety policies while promoting the highest standards of safety and compliance across our operations.

This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to translate regulatory requirements into practical, business-aligned solutions and ensure consistent adherence to federal, state, and local regulations across the Company’s multi-site operational environment.

What You’ll Do

· Provide day-to-day legal counsel on operational compliance matters, including food safety (FDA/USDA), OSHA, environmental health, and government contracting requirements.

· Support the Director in implementing and maintaining a unified compliance framework across operational sectors.

· Monitor and interpret regulatory developments, advising business stakeholders on emerging risks and required actions.

· Partner with food safety, safety, quality assurance, and operations teams to assess compliance risks and drive corrective actions where necessary.

· Advise on government contracts compliance, including FAR/DFARS considerations, certifications, audits, and reporting obligations.

· Assist with regulatory inquiries, audits, and investigations, coordinating responses and ensuring proper documentation.

· Draft, review, and update policies, procedures, and training materials to reflect evolving regulatory requirements.

· Support compliance program monitoring and reporting, including internal audits and metrics tracking.

· Deliver training and guidance to operational teams to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance.

· Collaborate with Government Affairs (where applicable) to align regulatory strategy and advocacy efforts.

Who You Are

· Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar admission required.

· Licensed Attorney (JD required) with 5-10 years of experience, preferably in a highly regulated, multi-site operational environment (e.g., CPG, food service, healthcare, education, or government).

· Strong understanding of compliance with food safety (FDA, USDA), environmental (EPA), and workplace safety (OSHA) regulations.

· Working knowledge of government contracting requirements (e.g., FAR, DFARS, audits, compliance programs).

· Strong understanding of regulatory compliance frameworks and experience working with cross-functional operational teams.

· Experience supporting or interfacing with regulatory agencies and managing audits or investigations.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable guidance.

· Pragmatic, business-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in multi-site operations or distributed workforce environments.

· Familiarity with environmental, health & safety (EHS) and/or sustainability compliance programs.

· Government affairs or regulatory advocacy experience.

· Familiarity with state and federal laws related to packaging and labeling

· Background working in-house or supporting large operational organizations.

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to operationalizing the Company’s overall legal compliance strategy. This individual will help bridge legal, safety, and operational teams and ensure that compliance is not only maintained but embedded into everyday decision-making—protecting the Company while enabling business growth.