Corporate Counsel

Restaurant Services, Inc., (RSI) is a not-for-profit, member-owned independent purchasing and supply chain management cooperative which acts as the exclusive purchasing agent and supply chain manager for the U.S. Burger King® restaurant system throughout North America and other QSR brands operating within the United States and Canada. Its Board of Directors is comprised of Burger King® restaurant operators and the company operates in a close working relationship with Burger King Company, LLC. RSI’s mission is to ensure, at the best cost and at established performance standards, a continuous supply of the products and services necessary to build, operate and maintain Burger King® restaurants for the benefit of our members. Leverage data and technology to support improving restaurant profitability for our members. RSI’s vision is to be the best purchasing and supply chain organization in the food service industry. The Corporate Counsel is charged with providing a full range of legal services including contract drafting, review and administration, and related legal commercial advice to all departments and cross-functional teams of Restaurant Services, Inc. (including Food and Packaging, Equipment and Facilities, Premiums, Distribution/Logistics, Finance and IS), and its subsidiary companies, Supply Chain Services LLC, Restaurant Services Canada, Inc. and Restaurant Services Mexico, Inc. (collectively, “RSI”). The Corporate Counsel is also charged with the responsibility of working closely with the Lead Corporate Counsel and RSI’s purchasing managers and management team to assess legal risks, in keeping with RSI’s Mission and Vision. The Corporate Counsel is a key member of the legal team and will work closely with all RSI staff to ensure compliance and understanding of all company policies, corporate governance requirements, and risk management procedures. RESPONSIBILITIES Drafts, reviews, and negotiates various complex commercial contracts, including, but not limited to, food, beverage, and equipment purchasing agreements and distribution services agreements. Assists and/or leads in the ongoing development, evolution and implementation of legal compliance programs, policies and practices designed to facilitate the achievement of RSI’s goals. Direct relationships with suppliers and distributors to facilitate the contracting process, resolution of issues and identification of opportunities or challenges facing RSI, the suppliers and/or distributors as critical supply chain participants essential to the Burger King® system and all other RSI supply chain management clients. Develops internal methods and systems for contract review; drafts and revises model contract documents as requested or required; develops unique contracts and innovative contractual arrangements as needed; provides technical advice and support to staff in their day-to-day transactions with suppliers and distributors; assists with contract negotiations as requested or required. Facilitates internal and external conflict resolution; provides support to the Lead Corporate Counsel in all adversarial disputes for RSI, including, but not limited to, litigation and agency matters as well as administrative and contractual disputes as between employees, BKC, suppliers and distributors and RSI. Ensures RSI's compliance with all Federal, State, Local and International laws, regulations and guidelines regarding the purchasing function; ensures RSI’s compliance with its own Business Code of Ethics and Purchasing Policies and Procedures. Provides RSI with legal advice as appropriate or requested regarding general corporate matters and issues including taxation, governance, corporate structure, intellectual property and antitrust; working with external consultants and internal personnel. Provides competent business analysis and advice regarding integrated supply chain management as well as individual supplier's and/or distributor’s ability to conform to RSI's contractually specified financial and legal terms and obligations and BKC's articulated standards. Advise, and work closely with, management and cross-functional teams on legal risks, strategy, compliance, and policy for a variety of matters to facilitate operations, and business growth. Build relationships and points of contact with Burger King Company, LLC and RSI’s other managed brands’ personnel to facilitate resolution of relationship issues or concerns, ensure timely communication, and resolution of issues. Assists in annual board elections, including assistance in managing the election process, communications, and vetting candidates. Prepare and file all state "qualification to conduct business" filings. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE J.D. from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in a state or territory of the United States or District of Columbia; Florida Bar membership preferred. Three to five years of demonstrated experience practicing law in a relevant business environment. Experience in the quick service restaurant, food & beverage, or distribution & logistics industries or closely related field are a plus. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS This position requires a sharp analytical mind, strong work ethic, and impeccable writing skills. The Corporate Counsel is a quick study with the ability to adapt to the needs of an evolving business and who also enjoys collaborating on cross-functional projects. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE A self-motivated and goal-oriented individual with a strong initiative of getting things done. High level of business acumen with an appreciation for weighing legal and business risk. Minimum of three (3) years of broad commercial contract drafting and transactional legal experience in a corporate legal department. Excellent consultative and communication skills with a proven ability to influence and advise in a clear and compelling manner. Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented culture. Process-driven, comfortable with ambiguity in a dynamic environment; and Strong prioritization, organization, and interpersonal skills within all levels of the organization. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Leadership – track record of displaying confidence, courage, accountability, and conviction among peers, and superiors in making or driving difficult decisions. Adaptable – track record of operating in fast-paced, results-driven environments with the intellectual capacity to perform quickly under pressure. Collaborative – track record of building strong business relationships to drive results through influence, partnership, and exceptional communication skills; ability to convey legal advice clearly and effectively with employees at all levels. Business Focused – proven ability to be commercial in approach and appreciate the difference between legal and business risk. Able to view all legal decisions through a business lens. #J-18808-Ljbffr