Senior Legal Counsel

Description:

NewCold is hiring a Senior Legal Counsel, North America to support its rapidly growing operations. This role will be based in Illinois (with hybrid working) and will focus on corporate and commercial contracting, particularly in construction and real estate transactions.

The selected candidate will provide legal counsel across NewCold's operations in the U.S. and Canada, advising on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters. The role also involves close coordination with NewCold’s global headquarters in Breda, Netherlands, and external legal counsel.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology, and supply chain innovation, contributing to the development of state-of-the-art food storage and logistics facilities.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Provide legal counsel on commercial, real estate, construction, and corporate legal matters across North American operations
✅ Draft, review, and negotiate company contracts, RFPs, and other legal documents
✅ Ensure compliance with local, federal, and international laws and regulations
✅ Advise senior management on legal risks and mitigation strategies
✅ Collaborate closely with Business Development, Operations, Treasury, and Tax teams
✅ Manage the corporate structure for NewCold in the U.S. and Canada
✅ Act as a liaison between NewCold North America and NewCold Headquarters in the Netherlands
✅ Work directly on real estate transactions, construction contracts, supplier/vendor agreements, and warehouse development contracts
✅ Oversee and manage external legal firms and counsel when required
✅ Supervise and mentor a paralegal supporting the legal team

Education and Licensing

🎓 Juris Doctorate (JD) from a top academic institution
🎓 Must be licensed to practice law in Illinois, or able to obtain such license
🌎 Experience working in international legal environments is strongly preferred

Competencies and Skills

✅ Strong understanding of commercial and corporate law
✅ Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills for complex contracts and real estate/construction documents
✅ Strong communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)
✅ Ability to work in diverse, cross-cultural, and international teams
✅ Effective problem-solving skills to anticipate legal risks and propose creative solutions
✅ Strong time management and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Who We Are Looking For

✔️ Someone with a collaborative mindset who thrives in a fast-paced, global work environment
✔️ A proactive legal advisor who can anticipate risks and propose solutions
✔️ A legal professional who is comfortable working with business leaders, developers, vendors, and regulatory authorities
✔️ A person who embraces NewCold’s innovative culture, blending legal expertise with business acumen