Legal Counsel Opportunity with Leading Agribusiness & ASX Listed CompanyWho we are?Ridley is one of the largest domestic consumers of Australian-grown cereal grains, with a capability that spans the production and sourcing of raw materials, specialised nutrition formulation, feed manufacturing and on-ground sales support. We provide feed to the agriculture and aquaculture industries, delivering commercial bulk stockfeeds direct to farm gate, packaged feeds for stock and companion animals and ingredients, including raw materials, additives, supplements and animal meals. Our feed mill manufacturing facilities are located across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. We also operate two ingredient recovery plants in Victoria and New South Wales, where we produce protein meals and animal fats for our own animal feed production as well as for supply to the stockfeed, pet food and biofuel industries. Our retail brands include Barastoc, Rumevite, Cobber, Primo, Propel and Food for Dogs developed with our team of highly experienced nutritionists. We believe: Meaningful change happens through meaningful partnerships Feed needs to be viewed as part of an end-to-end ecosystem Animal nutrition is the key to more sustainable and profitable farmingWhat's on offer?Reporting to the General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Legal Counsel will assist in providing strategic, pragmatic and commercial legal advice to the Ridley businesses. This position offers the possibility of being based either in Melbourne, with CBD offices, or in Queensland.Responsibilities of the role include:Reviewing, negotiating, drafting and interpreting the Group's commercial contracts (from construction through to supplier and customer agreements). Proactively engaging with business units to ensure commercial strategies and arrangements are effectively reflected in contracts.Identifying and briefing the Group's management on potential and actual legal exposures and risks and taking appropriate proactive and remedial measures.Reviewing and updating standard contracts and other standard form documents for the Group and drafting additional standard contracts and standard form documents where required. Providing training to management and business units on contract management as required.Ensuring management and business units are kept informed of new and proposed legislation, regulations and Court decisions which may affect the activities of the organisation. Working with our teams on the broad spectrum of legal and governance issues that arise in operations, from intellectual property protection (trademarks, patents and research & development agreements), through to the domestic and international commercialisation of products, employment and regulator matters.Keeping the General Counsel and Company Secretary updated and informed on key legal risks affecting the Group.Engaging and managing external legal service providers as required to support the Group's operations including in relation to third party litigation. Ensuring the scoping and management of external instructions maximises value and minimises cost.Travel to manufacturing sites will be required from time to time.Key and attributes required:Strong commercial acumenExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with internal and external stakeholdersStrong problem-solving ability drawing on multiple data points to identify issues and develop solutionsStrong negotiation and organisational skillsAbility to think strategically and pragmatically whilst maintaining an eye for detail and legal integrityQualifications and experience:Minimum 8 - 10 years legal practice experience (mandatory)Strong understanding of commercial law (mandatory)Degree qualified in law and admitted to practice as a Solicitor (mandatory)Prior in-house legal experience (desirable)In return for your expertise and commitment Ridley offers an excellent salary package with benefits, a great culture and supportive team. If you can demonstrate experience and results, relative to the above criteria and have the character, ability, and initiative to "own" this exciting and challenging role, then we would like to hear from you.If this is you, please visit www.ridley.com.au/about/vacancies and provide both your resume and cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a police check. Open to applicants with unrestricted work rights in Australia. Previous applicants need not apply.
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