At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

This position will primarily be responsible for review and management of various business contracts, amongst other matters as appropriate to the candidate’s skills. As a business partner, this position is responsible for assessing risk exposure and providing professional advice and recommendations on company strategies and implementation primarily related to contracts for the Ajinomoto North America Division.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Juris Doctorate required.
• Licensed to practice law as an in-house lawyer in the U.S.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in legal practice required.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in a law firm.
• Substantial experience with contracts and other types of transactions and corporate compliance issues.
• Experience in a broad range of laws in the area of contracts.
• The ideal candidate will also have additional experience in other relevant areas, including intellectual property, privacy laws, food safety regulations, commercial business litigation, and/or contract disputes.
• Ability to balance legal risks and commercial consequences.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad variety of legal matters.
• Exceptional communication skills to aid in both internal and external communications; Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, confidentially and professionally with all levels throughout the company.
• Self-starter and motivated to work independently but knows when to reach out.
• Works well with others; always professional and kind.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability as defined by the following competencies and demonstrated in previous work experience:
• Quality and Timeliness
• Detail-oriented
• Self-management
• Teamwork and Communication
• Results Driven
• Compliance
• Continuous Improvement and Cost Reduction
• Management

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Remote is OK, but ability and willingness to travel (likely 3 times per year, but not more than approximately 12 times per year). Administrative offices available in select cities (Ontario, CA; Itasca, IL; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Raleigh, NC; Columbus, OH; Ayer, MA).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to use email, phone, and other technology (including Microsoft applications and Adobe) to communicate effectively and professionally with others and perform required tasks.

• Prepares and/or reviews business and service contracts (including terms and conditions), such as sales team agreements, supplier agreements, quality agreements, consultant agreements, lease agreements, CDAs/NDAs, etc.
• Identifies and assesses legal risks associated with actions and positions of the affiliates and the effect of changes in the business environment.
• Reviews and interprets new and existing laws, rulings, and regulations for business.
• Oversees and manages contract negotiation with vendors and clients.
• As needed, manages progress of work by outside counsel including review of bills.
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the affiliates and is consistent with the affiliate’s policies and practices.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, or Senior Paralegals

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.