Associate General Counsel, M&A

Job DescriptionHere at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people to grow our business, because we believe that great people make great companies. When you join our table, you can expect access to an array of holistic wellness benefits* and perks, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 7% 401(k) matching, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to help foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees, an industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus. *Benefits begin 30 days after hire for hourly employees, and immediately upon hire for salaried employees. Get a peek into life here at Kraft Heinz through our Instagram and TikTok channels!Associate General Counsel, M&A at a Glance….The Associate General Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions serves as a senior member of the Kraft Heinz Legal Department and a strategic legal advisor to executive leadership on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, minority investments, strategic partnerships, and other transformational transactions.Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, M&A, Strategy & Venture Capital, this role leads the legal strategy, structuring, negotiation, execution, and integration of complex domestic and cross-border transactions. While supporting global M&A initiatives, the position is primarily focused on transactions impacting the United States business and serves as the lead legal partner to business and functional stakeholders throughout the transaction lifecycle.This is a highly visible leadership role requiring exceptional transactional expertise, commercial judgment, stakeholder influence, and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives in a fast-paced global consumer packaged goods environment. The Associate General Counsel is expected to operate independently on the Company's most significant transactions while helping to shape M&A processes, standards, and capabilities across the enterprise.This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly at our office in Chicago.What’s on the menu?Strategic Transaction LeadershipLead all legal aspects of complex domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, minority equity investments, restructurings, and other strategic transactions.Partner with senior business leaders to assess strategic opportunities, transaction structures, legal risk profiles, and value creation initiatives.Provide commercially focused legal advice throughout all phases of transactions, from target evaluation and diligence through signing, closing, and post-close integration.Serve as lead legal advisor and principal negotiator on purchase agreements, merger agreements, joint venture agreements, transition services agreements, equity investment documents, disclosure schedules, and other transaction-related documentation.Advise executive leadership and deal teams on key legal, regulatory, and commercial issues impacting transaction execution.Transaction Structuring, Risk Management & Due DiligenceLead legal due diligence efforts in collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts across employment, intellectual property, compliance, commercial contracts, litigation, privacy, environmental, and regulatory disciplines.Identify material legal, operational, and regulatory risks and develop practical mitigation strategies to support business objectives.Counsel stakeholders on transaction structure alternatives, governance considerations, antitrust and competition matters, labor and employment risks, and jurisdiction-specific legal requirements.Develop and negotiate risk allocation mechanisms, including representations and warranties, indemnities, escrows, earn-outs, and other protections.Business Partnership & Stakeholder LeadershipAct as a trusted legal advisor to senior executives, business development leaders, finance partners, and corporate strategy teams.Collaborate closely with Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, Human Resources, Compliance, and other functions to drive successful transaction outcomes.Translate complex legal concepts into practical, actionable guidance for non-legal stakeholders.Build strong relationships across North America and global business teams to facilitate effective decision-making and transaction execution.Global M&A Governance & Process ExcellenceHelp establish and maintain best-in-class M&A legal processes, templates, playbooks, negotiation standards, and governance frameworks.Develop scalable tools, knowledge resources, and training materials to improve efficiency, consistency, and risk management across the global M&A function.Identify opportunities to leverage technology, AI, and automation to enhance transaction execution and reduce legal spend.Promote continuous improvement initiatives and share transactional best practices across legal and business teams.Outside Counsel & Resource ManagementSelect, manage, and oversee outside counsel and other transaction advisors across multiple jurisdictions.Establish clear budgets, scopes of work, and performance expectations while ensuring high-quality, cost-effective legal support.Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary deal teams across internal and external stakeholders.Post-Close Integration & Separation SupportAdvise business and functional leaders on integration and separation planning from signing through implementation.Support contract transitions, regulatory commitments, employee-related matters, governance transitions, and remediation plans arising from completed transactions.Partner with business leaders to help realize transaction value while managing legal and operational risks.Leadership & Team DevelopmentProvide mentoring, coaching, and development support to attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals.Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on business partnership, accountability, and continuous learning.Serve as a thought leader within the Legal Department and contribute to broader functional and enterprise initiatives.Recipe for Success – apply now if this sounds like you!Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.15+ years of significant M&A experience, including substantial responsibility for leading complex domestic and cross-border transactions.Combination of major law firm and in-house corporate legal experience strongly preferred.Demonstrated success advising executive leadership on high-profile and strategically important transactions.Deep expertise in transaction structuring, negotiations, legal due diligence, risk assessment, and post-close integration matters.Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organizational environments.Strong business acumen and ability to deliver practical, risk-adjusted legal advice aligned with commercial objectives.Exceptional project management, communication, and leadership skills.Experience working within a multinational organization and managing matters across multiple jurisdictions.Experience in consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, manufacturing, or similarly complex global industries preferred.Demonstrated ability to leverage technology, data, and AI-enabled tools to improve legal service delivery and transaction efficiency.Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.New Hire Base Salary Range:$190,300.00 - $237,900.00Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factorsLong-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/AssessmentsSocial - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, TrainingEmotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support ProgramsFinancial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, DisabilityLocation(s)Chicago/Aon CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io: Chicago, ILType: Full time