Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer, Consumer Packaged Goods
JRG Partners is proud to have been retained by a leading consumer packaged goods company in its search for a pragmatic and business-minded Chief Legal Officer. Based in Milwaukee, WI, this C-suite role leads the legal function and serves as a trusted advisor to the business.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Legal Officer will lead legal strategy across commercial contracting, compliance, intellectual property, litigation, and corporate matters.
Consumer packaged goods is a fast-moving, brand-driven, and intensely competitive industry. The ideal candidate combines deep legal expertise with sound commercial judgment and the ability to lead and develop a capable team.
This is a career-defining opportunity to lead at the highest level, shaping strategy, culture, and performance and creating durable value for the organization and its stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer, Consumer Packaged Goods
The role will lead the legal function, with responsibilities including but not limited to:
Legal Strategy & Leadership
Lead the legal function and serve as a trusted legal advisor to the business.
Commercial Contracting
Lead the drafting, negotiation, and management of commercial agreements.
Compliance & Ethics
Own or support the corporate compliance and ethics program, policies, and training.
Intellectual Property
Protect the company’s IP portfolio and manage related strategy and enforcement.
Litigation & Disputes
Manage litigation, disputes, and investigations with outside counsel.
Regulatory
Advise on regulatory matters relevant to the business.
M&A & Corporate
Support corporate transactions from diligence through integration.
Corporate Governance
Support corporate governance, board matters, and entity management.
Employment & Labor
Provide counsel on employment, labor, and workplace matters.
Risk Management
Proactively identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risk across the business.
Outside Counsel Management
Select and manage outside counsel for quality, efficiency, and alignment.
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop the legal team.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer, Consumer Packaged Goods
Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one state bar are required.
Experience
Progressive legal experience, including in-house leadership within a comparable industry.
Legal Expertise
Broad expertise across commercial contracting, compliance, IP, and litigation.
Commercial Judgment
A pragmatic, business-oriented approach that manages risk while enabling the business.
Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead a legal team and manage outside counsel effectively.
Communication
Outstanding communication skills and the credibility to advise senior leaders.
Analytical Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across a diverse legal workload.
Executive Presence
The presence and credibility to advise executive leadership.
Integrity
Unquestionable ethics, discretion, and sound judgment in sensitive matters.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain exceptional leadership talent, including:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A comprehensive executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, a significant annual incentive, and substantial long-term equity or incentive participation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options, plus Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) choices to fit your family’s needs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you build long-term financial security.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Strong support for your continued growth, including funding for certifications, executive education, and attendance at leading industry conferences.
Executive Leadership Platform
A senior leadership seat with the mandate to shape strategy, culture, and performance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family, where applicable.
Collaborative Culture
A positive, inclusive, and high-integrity culture where your leadership is valued and your impact is recognized.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. Qualified candidates are invited to apply in the strictest confidence.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership philosophy and most significant achievements.
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. For more on our expertise in this area, please visit our Legal & Compliance executive search practice page. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at every level of the organizations we serve.
