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

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  155,000-165,000

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

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.

Apply to Compass Group today!

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

-usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:  

Req ID: 1540192

Compass Corporate 

Julia Vogel 

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