Assistant General Counsel, the Bazooka Companies

The Bazooka Companies, Inc. is an international manufacturer and marketer of iconic confections products, including Ring Pop, Baby Bottle Pop, Juicy Drop, Push Pop, Bazooka bubble gum and other candy, gummy and gum products. We operate and have offices in the United States and the UK and distribute our products worldwide.

Reporting to the General Counsel, The Bazooka Companies, Inc. is seeking an experienced and talented attorney to join our team. A successful candidate will be a leader and business partner who can provide legal support and advice to Bazooka’s division leadership and staff on matters including marketing, advertising, intellectual property, sales/customer/supply chain relationships and agreements, quality and regulatory oversight and compliance, ethics & compliance, privacy and litigation/dispute resolution

Responsibilities

General/Commercial

Support the confectionery team on all commercial legal matters

Anticipate and identify issues and risks, recommending potential solutions, and identifying trends relating to legal matters affecting a global confectionery business

Provide legal guidance for issues that arise in connection with prospective and ongoing commercial engagements, including consultation, contract interpretation and advising on contractual implications

Conduct preliminary trademark (and occasionally patent) searches through various databases and collaborate with business and legal teams (and outside counsel) to prepare, file and prosecute trademark and other IP applications

Negotiate and draft commercial agreements, including license agreements (outbound and inbound), distribution, manufacturing and supply agreements, technology agreements, and all other types of agreements related to Bazooka’s business

Assist in litigation matters

Provide advice and support for corporate transactions

Serve as liaison between Bazooka and outside counsel

Develop and implement policies and training required to educate employees on best practices for complying with applicable laws and managing business-related business risks

Intellectual Property/Licensing

Ongoing management and oversight of Bazooka’s global IP portfolio, including trademarks, patents and other IP

Advise business stakeholders with respect to various types of IP-related contracts, including for example, confidentiality, consulting agreements, product development agreements, etc.

Negotiate and draft license agreements for Bazooka’s brands and support internal teams with the administration of Bazooka’s brand licensing program

Marketing/Advertising/Promotions

Review marketing and product materials

Revise and advise on the development, execution, and compliance for all marketing promotions across traditional and digital media, including sweepstakes and contests, special offers, and use of influencers and other advertising (including television advertising)

Manage relationship with the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) and establishing advertising review program to mitigate risks associated with child-directed marketing efforts

Advise on development and operation of company websites and digital app, including drafting terms of use, administering annual COPPA certification with CARU, and ensuring legally-compliant privacy policies and procedures

Regulatory

Advise confectionery Quality and R&D teams on product, labeling and regulatory compliance for international, federal, state and local requirements, including FDA, FSMA and CPSIA regulations

Review, evaluate and ensure compliant product labeling and product claims substantiation

Work with outside counsel on customs issues relating to importation of company products

Monitor and advise internal stakeholders on emerging legislation and regulations relevant to Bazooka’s business, particularly with respect to food labeling, children’s marketing and environmental issues

Work cross-functionally as the regulatory resource on product innovations, graphics updates, etc.

Qualifications

Key Skills/Knowledge

Significant experience counseling on a range of confectionery/food-based intellectual property, marketing and commercial law matters

Specific knowledge of key local country laws (e.g., US, UK) applicable to matters where Bazooka operates

Experience drafting and negotiating various types of complex commercial agreements

Knowledge of regulatory matters relating to consumer confectionery/food products

Demonstrated ability to think and act globally and strategically, and to appreciate regional interests while doing so

Strong interpersonal, oral and written skills and proven track record in managing and influencing internal client relationships

Must be a business partner who understands the strategic needs of the business

Ability to concisely and simply communicate complex legal issues

Must be a self-starter, highly motivated, possess a strong work ethic and able to function independently in a “hands-on” environment

Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and be able to interact effectively with individuals at all levels inside and outside the company, including high profile individuals and companies, senior leadership, and executive board members

Potential for some light travel

Experience

6-8+ years of experience in a top-tier firm and in-house legal department, with an emphasis on consumer products

Familiarity with the business and legal aspects of, consumer products (including food products), consumer goods, and popular brands

Familiarity with Bazooka’s diverse brands or overall business a plus

Experience working across a global business is preferred

Law degree from accredited law school

New York (or other state ) Bar admission, depending on location**

This position is Remote Available**

The policy of The Bazooka Companies, Inc. is to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health choices gender, gender identity or expression, the status of being transgender, gender stereotyping, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, military or veterans status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and to affirmatively seek to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Covid-19 Requirements

Where permitted by applicable law, you must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by date of hire to be considered for this position. Proof of vaccination will be required. If you require a special accommodation, please let us know.

To Apply:

https://careers-bazooka.icims.com/jobs/1549/assistant-general-counsel/job?mobile=false&width=883&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240