Corporate Counsel - Commercial Transactions (Technology & Emerging Digital Trends) - Corporate Office (Austin, MN) preferred

CORPORATE COUNSEL – COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS (TECHNOLOGY & EMERGING DIGITAL TRENDS) – CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTIN, MN) PREFERRED

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time. 

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy^®, SPAM^®, Hormel^® Natural Choice^®, Applegate^®, Justin’s^®, Wholly^®, Hormel^® Black Label^®, Columbus^®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are seeking a full-time commercial transactions lawyer to join our collegial, collaborative, and inspired legal team. Reporting to the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, the successful candidate will partner with business colleagues to deliver our business priorities, particularly in support of technology and emerging digital trends. They will draft, review, negotiate, and manage information technology contracts and a variety of commercial transactional matters in support of our business teams. They will also advise on the legal aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data governance and privacy. Specific responsibilities include: 

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, with an emphasis on information technology, AI systems, software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), cloud services, data licensing, technology development, consulting services, hardware and equipment purchases, hosting services, maintenance/support services and technology evaluations  
• Drafting contract provisions dealing with AI, privacy, cybersecurity and other data protection and operational continuity issues 
• Advising other departments on the legal implications and aspects of risk for policy and program development in the areas of AI, privacy, data protection, digital transactions and cybersecurity 
• Assisting with the development of governance mechanisms for emerging areas of data and technology law and digital transactions
• Developing and conducting training, harmonizing and optimizing templates, building and refining playbooks, identifying and adopting best practices and supporting process improvement initiatives in a continued effort to streamline contracting and sourcing related processes
• Providing legal advice to – and securing buy-in from – business colleagues on contract interpretation and obligations
• Conducting legal research to support our internal business partners with developments in the technology field 
• Working with and training commercial transactions paralegals 
• Committing to promoting the development of one’s own legal and business skills, industry knowledge, and to maintaining an inclusive and engaging work environment 
• Other opportunities as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will exhibit unmatched ethical standards, a passion for client service, a strong work ethic, and a can-do attitude. The successful candidate will be skilled at balancing business and legal risks and managing multiple projects at one time. Specific qualifications are: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in a US jurisdiction; ability to become licensed in Minnesota
• 5 – 7 years of experience as a commercial transactions attorney or in a related legal role in a law firm or in-house law department; some law firm experience preferred 
• Advanced understanding of contract law and experience in drafting and negotiating complex information technology contracts, including SaaS, software, cloud services and maintenance/support services
• Understanding of AI, cybersecurity, digital transactions, data compliance and privacy laws and regulations in the US and other applicable jurisdictions is preferred
• Ability to capture and communicate consistent themes across jurisdictions for pragmatic risk management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and a meticulous approach to reviewing documents 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with food industry-specific contract regulations and standards is a plus
• Experience with contract management software 
• Demonstrated curiosity; able to quickly learn new areas and business considerations; comfortable with change 
• Able to manage confidential company information and data requiring the highest degree of attention to preserve confidentiality
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and legal research tools 
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
• Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa

LOCATION: Austin, MN (Global Headquarters) preferred; remote work arrangement may be considered.  

A comprehensive relocation package to the Austin, MN area will be offered, if required.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for the Corporate Counsel role is between $120,000 - $168,000 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. 

BENEFITS: Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 15% - 20% of the time, for those based outside of Austin, MN   

For immediate consideration, apply online at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.