Counsel, Labor & Employment

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

The Counsel, Labor & Employment is Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role serves as the enterprise subject matter expert on labor and employment law and provides strategic legal counsel on labor and employment matters across the enterprise. The role partners with Human Resources, Operations, business leaders, and external counsel to manage labor relations, employment risk, workplace investigations, and employment-related disputes.

Reports to: Chief Legal Officer

Dotted-Line: Maintains strong functional alignment with HR and Supply Chain leadership.

Supervises: May supervise Labor and Employment legal resources and/or outside counsel, depending on organizational structure.

Peer Relationships: Legal, Human Resources, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance leaders

Key Contacts:

• Internal: Human Resources, Plant and Operations leaders, Legal team members, and senior business leaders
• External: Union representatives, outside counsel, regulatory agencies, arbitrators, and mediators

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING 

• Develop and execute labor strategy plans, including collective bargaining preparation materials, negotiation support, and post-agreement implementation. 

• Provide legal guidance and support for workforce changes and restructuring activities, including reductions in force, plant closures, WARN/notice requirements, severance programs, and related employee communications. 

• Manage and oversee outside counsel, including defining scope, monitoring performance, and ensuring cost-effective delivery of legal services. 

• Serve as the enterprise expert and lead legal advisor on labor and employment matters, balancing risk management with practical business needs. 
• Provide expert counsel on labor relations strategy, including collective bargaining support, contract administration, grievance resolution, arbitration preparation, and union-related matters. 
• Advise Human Resources and business leaders as the go-to legal authority on employee relations matters, discipline, discharge, workplace accommodations, leave issues, wage and hour compliance, and policy application. 
• Provide legal guidance on workplace investigations and other sensitive employment matters, including risk mitigation and appropriate resolution strategies. 
• Manage complex employment-related claims and agency matters, in partnership with external counsel and internal stakeholders. 
• Shape and support employment-related policies, practices, and manager guidance to promote legal compliance, consistency, and enterprise standards. 
• Monitor labor and employment law developments and translate changes into clear, actionable guidance for business and Human Resources leaders. 
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships and elevate organizational capability in labor and employment practices across the enterprise. 
• Oversee outside immigration counsel and an internal paralegal who manages case strategy, filings, and day-to-day immigration support.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar. 

• 7+ years of legal experience, including significant labor and employment law experience. 

• Recognized expertise in U.S. labor and employment laws, including federal and state requirements, and the ability to apply them in complex business environments. 

• Significant direct experience advising on labor relations, collective bargaining, grievance handling, and arbitration matters. 

• Significant direct experience supporting unionized manufacturing and/or operations environments. 

• Experience addressing multi-jurisdictional employment law issues. 

• Experience counseling leaders on employee relations, workplace investigations, and employment risk management. 

• Experience managing complex employment claims, agency matters, and litigation with outside counsel. 

• Strong judgment, business acumen, and the ability to provide authoritative, practical, solutions-oriented legal advice. 

• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to build credibility as a trusted expert across the organization. 

• Experience leading legal resources, projects, or cross-functional work. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• 10+ years of labor and employment law experience 

• Experience in a publicly traded or Fortune 500 company. 

• In-house experience supporting complex, multi-site labor and employment environments. 

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, integrations, restructurings, or other significant organizational changes with labor and employment implications. 

• Experience advising on executive employment agreements, restrictive covenants, or senior leader employment matters. 

• Experience partnering with Human Resources centers of expertise to design scalable policies, practices, and training. 

 Salary Range: $212,000 - $265,000

Salary pay ranges are determined by role and level.  Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and local market conditions. 

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially.

Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

• Incentive Plan bonus eligibility

• Health, dental and vision insurance

• Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
• Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
• Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
• Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family, but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.

ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional, and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.wkkellogg.com. 

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email TalentAssist@wkkellogg.com

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For US applicants:

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this link.

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment