Sr Corporate Counsel
KeHE Distributors· Food Production· Oct 2, 2026 · 26d ago
Naperville, Illinois
In office
Full-time
Senior
$90K–$120K est.
6+ years exp
Job description
Why Work for KeHE?
• Full-time
• Pay Range: $156,640.00/Yr. - $229,598.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview
At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities
The Senior Corporate Counsel serves as a key legal business partner, providing practical and timely legal guidance to support the organization's commercial and operational objectives. This role is primarily responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing a broad range of commercial agreements while partnering closely with internal stakeholders to facilitate business growth and manage legal risk. The Senior Corporate Counsel also supports a variety of corporate legal matters, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance, real estate matters, and strategic projects as assigned. This position requires strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to effectively balance legal considerations with business priorities. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions
DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Commercial Contracting
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer and vendor agreements, master services agreements, SaaS and software licensing agreements, technology agreements, supply and distribution contracts, procurement contracts, non-disclosure agreements, professional services agreements, and marketing and partnership agreements.
• Provide practical, risk-based legal guidance to internal business partners and support contract lifecycle management activities, including the development and maintenance of contract templates, standard terms, and playbooks.
• Partner with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and other functional teams to facilitate efficient contracting processes and support business objectives.
• Assist in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal and business risks associated with commercial transactions.
Corporate Legal Support, Intellectual Property, and Other Legal Matters
• Assist with the legal review and support of strategic business initiatives, operational projects, and other matters affecting the organization.
• Provide guidance regarding compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Assist in managing and protecting the company's intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents.
• Support legal matters related to real estate, compliance, employment, and other areas as assigned.
• Participate in legal department initiatives aimed at improving processes, efficiency, consistency, and overall service delivery.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of commercial contract law, contract negotiation principles, and general business law concepts.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance concepts and risk management practices.
• Demonstrated skill in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements and other legal documents.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and issue-identification capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice that balances risk with organizational objectives.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to build credibility, trust, and productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to influence outcomes and drive consensus through collaboration and effective communication.
Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. state.
• 6+ years of legal experience.
• Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Strong contract negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Some law firm experience preferred but not required
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and provide practical advice.
• Ability to independently manage projects while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Requisition ID
2026-30543
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement
KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off