The Legal & Compliance Manager serves as the primary point of contact for all legal and regulatory matters within the organization. This individual will oversee the full contract lifecycle, ensure organizational compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and provide legal guidance to internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business advice.

Essential Functions

1. Contract Management

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of business agreements, including sales, procurement, service, vendor, and HR contracts.

• Ensure all contracts are legally sound, aligned with company policies, and designed to mitigate potential risks.

• Establish and maintain a centralized, organized contract repository and tracking system for active and archived agreements.

• Develop and implement contract templates and best practices to improve consistency and efficiency across departments.

• Partner with internal teams to manage contract renewals, terminations, and compliance milestones.

2. Compliance and Legal Advisory

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as internal company policies and procedures.

• Provide timely legal advice and risk assessments on operational, contractual, and regulatory issues affecting the business.

• Manage and oversee legal disputes, claims, and investigations, coordinating with external counsel when necessary.

• Administer trademark registrations, renewals, and record maintenance, ensuring intellectual property protection.

• Oversee insurance, licensing, and business permit compliance, maintaining all documentation and renewal schedules.

• Serve as the liaison with external legal counsel, regulatory authorities, and government agencies.

• Develop and deliver compliance training for employees to promote awareness of legal obligations and ethical conduct.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies, or related field required; Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal or compliance management role, ideally within the catering, hospitality, or service industry.

• Strong understanding of contract law, employment law, intellectual property rights, and compliance regulations.

• Demonstrated familiarity with New York State and U.S. federal legal procedures and requirements.

• Proven ability to interpret complex legal language and provide clear, actionable business advice.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.

• Proficiency with contract management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and document management tools.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and critical thinking

• Integrity and confidentiality

• Risk management and mitigation

• Strong negotiation and drafting skills

• Time management and multitasking under deadlines