Associate Counsel at Hearthside Food Solutions LLC in Downers Grove, Illinois

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

This role is pivotal in supporting our employment practices and maintaining effective employee relations across our diverse workforce. With oversight by the Director of Legal Affairs, the Associate Counsel will provide research and investigatory support, taking direct responsibility for many agency charges. This role will have direct internal client interaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Legal Affairs, compliance leaders, HR professionals, and plant leadership teams.
• Investigate and prepare initial position statements for low-to-moderate-risk discrimination charges and internal employee complaints.
• Maintain litigation calendar, docket, and deliverables on low-to-moderate litigated matters.
• Directly interact with Worker's Compensation claims handlers on non-litigated claims management.
• Research and prepare guidance on various employment-related questions, including wage & hour law, WARN Act, traditional labor, and pre-hire testing and background checks.
• First-pass review of outside recruiter agreements.
• Draft and review documents for HR team, including offer letters and disciplinary talking points.
• Participate in HR policy and procedure reviews, and prepare initial drafts of internal process guidance.
• Participate in training sessions for HR and management teams on labor relations and employment law compliance.
• Monitor and communicate changes in labor and HR law trends and regulations to internal stakeholders.

KEY COMPETENCIES / WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU

• Strong understanding of state and federal employment laws, regulations, and compliance issues.
• Knowledge of Ontario and Canadian employment laws strongly favored.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across various levels of the organization.
• Aptitude in legal research and issue spotting.

• Desire to learn new areas of the law, including occupational safety & insurance law.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365 and related software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in at least one state.
• 3 to 5 years of legal experience focused on labor and employment counseling, worker's compensation defense, or a combination of the two, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 25 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!
We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.
Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.