Assistant General Counsel - Bilingual (English/Spanish) at Sysco

Role Overview

The Assistant General Counsel - Bilingual (English/Spanish) at Sysco is a critical role responsible for providing strategic legal support across the International Americas region. This includes Canada, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama, and Sysco’s export company. The role involves providing legal counsel and risk assessment on a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, international trade, employment law, and real estate. This position serves as the primary legal support for senior management, company executives, and leadership of key functions within the region.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for the Assistant General Counsel involves a variety of tasks: * Providing legal advice and counsel to business leaders on a range of issues. * Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements. * Managing and developing legal strategies for various legal matters. * Supporting strategic initiatives, such as expansion into new markets. * Conducting training and preparing materials for internal stakeholders on legal and compliance matters. * Managing outside counsel and developing strategies for dispute resolution. * Directing pre-litigation employment matters and responding to complaints. * Partnering with leadership of key region functions, including Sales, Operations, Finance, Merchandising, Human Resources, Safety, and Compliance.

Why Houston, Texas?

Houston, Texas, is a vibrant and diverse city with a strong legal community. It offers numerous benefits for professionals: * **Thriving Economy:** Houston has a robust economy with a significant presence of international businesses, particularly in the energy, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. This provides ample opportunities for legal professionals specializing in commercial and international law. * **Diverse Legal Community:** Houston boasts a diverse and experienced legal community, offering a collaborative environment for legal professionals. The city has numerous law firms and corporate legal departments, providing a wide range of career options. * **Cultural Hub:** Houston is a cultural hub with a rich arts scene, diverse cuisine, and numerous recreational activities. This makes it an attractive place to live and work. * **Affordable Living:** Compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States, Houston offers a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. * **Educational Opportunities:** Houston is home to several top-tier universities and law schools, providing opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Career Path

The Assistant General Counsel position offers a clear career path within Sysco. Potential advancement opportunities include: * **Senior Assistant General Counsel:** With increased experience and demonstrated leadership, the Assistant General Counsel can advance to a Senior Assistant General Counsel role, taking on more complex legal matters and management responsibilities. * **Deputy General Counsel:** This role involves assisting the General Counsel in overseeing all legal functions of the company. * **General Counsel:** The highest legal position within the company, responsible for providing legal advice to the CEO and Board of Directors, and managing all legal affairs of the organization.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the Assistant General Counsel - Bilingual (English/Spanish) position at Sysco in Houston, Texas, typically falls between $160,000 and $220,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and performance. Sysco also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Comprehensive health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision). * Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage. * 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match. * Employee stock purchase plan. * Paid time off (PTO) and holidays. * Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses. * Health savings account (HSA) options. * Wellness programs and resources to support employee health and well-being. * Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support. * Tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees. * Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. * Employee discount programs on Sysco products and services.

Sysco Culture

Sysco is committed to creating a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect. The company values its employees and provides opportunities for growth and development. Sysco's core values include: * **Integrity:** Conducting business with honesty and ethical behavior. * **Excellence:** Striving for continuous improvement and exceeding expectations. * **Teamwork:** Working together to achieve common goals. * **Inclusion:** Embracing diversity and creating a welcoming environment for all. * **Responsibility:** Taking ownership of actions and commitments.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply for the Assistant General Counsel - Bilingual (English/Spanish) position through the Sysco Careers website. The application process typically involves submitting a resume and cover letter, completing an online assessment, and participating in interviews with the hiring manager and other members of the legal team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**1. What are the key responsibilities of the Assistant General Counsel?** The Assistant General Counsel provides legal advice and counsel, drafts and negotiates commercial agreements, manages legal matters, supports strategic initiatives, and conducts training on legal and compliance matters. **2. What qualifications are required for this position?** Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, admission to the bar, and at least 7 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on international law, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance. Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. **3. What is the salary range for this position?** The typical salary range is between $160,000 and $220,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. **4. What benefits does Sysco offer?** Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and employee discount programs. **5. What is the work environment like at Sysco?** Sysco fosters a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect, providing opportunities for growth and development. **6. What opportunities for advancement are available?** Potential advancement opportunities include Senior Assistant General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and General Counsel. **7. How much travel is required for this position?** Travel is estimated up to 25% of the time for the role. **8. Is fluency in Spanish required for this role?** Yes, fluency in both English and Spanish is a requirement for this position. **9. What type of legal matters will the Assistant General Counsel handle?** The Assistant General Counsel will handle a broad range of legal matters including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, international trade, employment law, and real estate. **10. How does Sysco support employee development?** Sysco offers tuition reimbursement programs, professional development opportunities, and mentoring programs to support employee growth.

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