Associate General Counsel at Welch's

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Grow with Welch's!&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!</p> <p>At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.</p></div><p><strong><u>Role Overview</u></strong></p> <p>The Associate General Counsel is a senior individual contributor and a trusted advisor to business leaders across Welch’s. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this attorney independently manages a broad legal portfolio, with primary responsibility for complex commercial contracting and strategic business counseling, as well as compliance, litigation, employment, and other strategic matters.</p> <p>The role calls for an experienced commercial attorney who can move fluently between strategy and execution: framing risk for decision-makers, leading sophisticated negotiations, and developing solutions that protect the company while enabling business priorities. Success requires sound judgment, executive-level communication, and the ability to influence outcomes without relying on formal authority.</p> <p><strong><u>Core Accountabilities</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Independently handle structuring, drafting, review, and negotiation of material commercial agreements with suppliers, licensees, distributors, contract manufacturers, and other strategic business partners.</li> <li>Own legal strategy and execution across the full lifecycle of complex commercial matters, from issue identification and deal structuring through negotiation, escalation, and implementation.</li> <li>Serve as a trusted legal advisor to leaders and business partners at all levels of the organization on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters.</li> <li>Translate complex legal issues into clear options and practical recommendations that enable informed, timely business decisions.</li> <li>Participate as an accountable member of cross-functional teams, bringing a legal and enterprise-risk perspective while sharing responsibility for business outcomes.</li> <li>Advise human resources and business leaders on employment and labor matters, workplace investigations, and policies and procedures.</li> <li>Manage litigation and other disputes in partnership with external counsel, including development of strategy, oversight of execution, and alignment with business objectives.</li> <li>Develop policies, training, tools, and preventive guidance to strengthen legal compliance and reduce risk.</li> <li>Identify and assess legal and business risk, exercise judgment on escalation, and develop solutions that appropriately protect the company while supporting growth.</li> <li>Strengthen legal processes, capabilities, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and the quality of legal support across the organization.</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>Scope and Impact</u></strong></p> <p><u>Autonomy</u>: Must operate with substantial independence on complex matters, applying seasoned judgment and escalating issues appropriately.</p> <p><u>Influence</u>: Must possess strong communication skills to advise stakeholders and influence without authority across functions and levels, including senior leaders and external business partners.</p> <p><u>Complexity</u>: Must balance competing demands to deliver timely, strategic advice on legal, regulatory, commercial, and reputational considerations in matters with meaningful enterprise impact.</p> <p><u>Business-First Mindset</u>: Must integrate legal advice with business objectives, build strong relationships at all levels across the organization, and help cross-functional teams reach practical, executable decisions.</p> <p><strong><u>Qualifications</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing.</li> <li>Active bar membership and authorization to practice law.</li> <li>At least ten years of progressively responsible legal experience.</li> <li>Substantial experience independently drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to advise business leaders, evaluate competing risks and priorities, and deliver practical legal solutions in a fast-moving environment.</li> <li>Experience at a large law firm and/or as corporate in-house counsel strongly preferred.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What You’ll Enjoy:</strong></p> <p>At Welch’s, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization with a bold vision for the future and a culture built on collaboration, belonging, and impact. We offer a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your well-being, growth, and success, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Inclusive culture:</strong> Join a workplace where you belong, are encouraged to share your voice, and have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.</li> <li><strong>Passionate community:</strong> Make an individual impact on the success of the business while working alongside colleagues who care deeply about what we do.</li> <li><strong>Hybrid work model:</strong> Enjoy a flexible and collaborative work environment designed to support well-being, productivity, and connection.</li> <li><strong>Paid time off and holidays:</strong> Take time away from work to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most.</li> <li><strong>Paid volunteer time off:</strong> Receive 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually for all non-union employees.</li> <li><strong>Development and advancement:</strong> Access LinkedIn Learning, tuition reimbursement, and both formal and informal opportunities to grow your career.</li> <li><strong>Competitive compensation:</strong> Receive a competitive base salary and annual incentive plan.</li> <li><strong>401(k) plan:</strong> Benefit from a generous company match to help support your financial future.</li> <li><strong>Flexible benefits from day one:</strong> Choose benefits that meet your needs and preferences, including health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs; and additional savings through Perks at Work.</li> <li><strong>Paid parental and adoption leave:</strong> Available after 6 months of employment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Compensation</strong></p> <p>The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $210,000 to $230,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and represents Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting.</p> <p>Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.</p> <p>#LI-Hybrid</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p>Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.&nbsp; We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.</p> <p>Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.</p></div>