Chief Legal Officer (CLO)

Company Overview:

Diamond Pet Foods, a privately held company and one of the nation's leading manufacturers of pet food, is committed to delivering high-quality, nutritious products for pets around the world. With seven manufacturing and distribution facilities across the U.S., we continue to grow while maintaining our dedication to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Our corporate office is located in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Position Summary:

The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) serves as the senior legal advisor to ownership and the executive leadership team, providing strategic guidance, proactive legal advice, and risk management across all areas of the business. The CLO will oversee all legal affairs of the company, including regulatory compliance, contracts, labor law, intellectual property, litigation, and corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Strategy & Risk Management
  • Advise ownership and the executive team on legal strategy, compliance, and risk management.
  • Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with operations, employment practices, marketing, product development, and supply chain logistics.
• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
  • Ensure the company remains in compliance with federal, state, and local laws including FDA, USDA, OSHA, and environmental regulations related to food manufacturing.
  • Monitor and interpret relevant laws and regulations affecting the pet food industry.
• Contract Management
  • Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including vendor agreements, distribution agreements, and manufacturing contracts.
  • Establish and maintain a centralized contract management system.
• Labor & Employment
  • Provide legal guidance on employment law issues across all plant locations.
  • Support HR in handling workplace investigations, labor disputes, and policy development.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  • Manage and oversee all litigation and external counsel relationships.
  • Lead internal investigations and provide resolutions to legal disputes.
• Corporate Governance
  • Advise on corporate structure, board matters, and internal governance policies.
  • Ensure the company meets all legal requirements for business entities across states of operation.
• Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
  • Manage trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets related to product formulations, branding, and marketing.
• Leadership
  • Build and lead the legal department, including supervising in-house legal staff or managing relationships with outside counsel.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the executive leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license to practice law in Missouri (or ability to obtain one).
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, preferably with experience at a corporate level in food manufacturing, consumer goods, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of contract law, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing external legal counsel and litigation.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and interpersonal skills.

Location & Travel:

• This position is based full-time, onsite, at our corporate office in Jefferson City, MO.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing sites and legal proceedings as needed (approx. 10-20%).

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support

Ready to Lead With Purpose?

Apply today and help us shape the future of pet nutrition-ethically, legally, and sustainably.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background and drug screening.