Assistant General Counsel

The Bazooka Companies, LLC is an international manufacturer and marketer of iconic confections products, including Ring Pop, Baby Bottle Pop, Juicy Drop Pop, 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, LLC 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 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.

General/Commercial

• Support the 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
• Negotiate and draft commercial agreements, including license agreements (outbound and inbound), distribution, manufacturing and supply agreements, technology agreements, ecommerce 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, copyrights, patents and other IP
• Conduct preliminary trademark (and occasionally copyright and 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
• 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
• Review 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 and digital advertising)
• Manage relationship with the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) and establish 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.

Key Skills, Knowledge & Other Requirements

• 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
• 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 and be able to hit the ground running
• 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 travel
• 6-8+ years of experience in a top-tier firm and in-house legal department, with an emphasis on consumer products (preferably confectionery/food 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

Salary Transparency:  Min $175,000 – Max $200,000 Annually 

The policy of The Bazooka Companies, LLC 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.