Corporate Counsel - Commercial Transactions (Technology & Emerging Digital Trends) - Corporate Office (Austin, MN) preferred

About the position Hormel Foods Corporation is seeking a full-time commercial transactions lawyer to join our collegial, collaborative, and inspired legal team. The successful candidate will partner with business colleagues to deliver our business priorities, particularly in support of technology and emerging digital trends. This role involves drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing information technology contracts and a variety of commercial transactional matters. The candidate will also advise on the legal aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data governance, and privacy.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, with an emphasis on information technology, AI systems, software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), cloud services, data licensing, technology development, consulting services, hardware and equipment purchases, hosting services, maintenance/support services and technology evaluations.
• Drafting contract provisions dealing with AI, privacy, cybersecurity and other data protection and operational continuity issues.
• Advising other departments on the legal implications and aspects of risk for policy and program development in the areas of AI, privacy, data protection, digital transactions and cybersecurity.
• Assisting with the development of governance mechanisms for emerging areas of data and technology law and digital transactions.
• Developing and conducting training, harmonizing and optimizing templates, building and refining playbooks, identifying and adopting best practices and supporting process improvement initiatives.
• Providing legal advice to business colleagues on contract interpretation and obligations.
• Conducting legal research to support internal business partners with developments in the technology field.
• Working with and training commercial transactions paralegals.
• Committing to promoting the development of one's own legal and business skills, industry knowledge, and to maintaining an inclusive and engaging work environment.
• Other opportunities as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in a US jurisdiction; ability to become licensed in Minnesota.
• 5 - 7 years of experience as a commercial transactions attorney or in a related legal role in a law firm or in-house law department; some law firm experience preferred.
• Advanced understanding of contract law and experience in drafting and negotiating complex information technology contracts, including SaaS, software, cloud services and maintenance/support services.
• Understanding of AI, cybersecurity, digital transactions, data compliance and privacy laws and regulations in the US and other applicable jurisdictions is preferred.
• Ability to capture and communicate consistent themes across jurisdictions for pragmatic risk management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and a meticulous approach to reviewing documents.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with food industry-specific contract regulations and standards is a plus.
• Experience with contract management software.
• Demonstrated curiosity; able to quickly learn new areas and business considerations; comfortable with change.
• Able to manage confidential company information and data requiring the highest degree of attention to preserve confidentiality.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and legal research tools.
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with food industry-specific contract regulations and standards.
• Experience with contract management software.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Discretionary annual merit increases.
• Bonuses and profit sharing.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Stock purchase plan.
• Relocation assistance.
• Paid time off.
• Free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.

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