Counsel - Litigation

Job Description

Title: Counsel – Litigation

Location: Chicago – Hybrid (3x Days in Office)

Reports To: Associate General Counsel – Litigation & Legal Ops

The Opportunity:

The Counsel – Litigation will serve as an integral member of Kraft Heinz’s U.S.-based Litigation team. The role will report to the Associate General Counsel – Litigation & Legal Operations, with responsibilities that cover the entire spectrum of litigation management and risk counseling, including advising the business on litigation and dispute-resolution strategy, managing outside counsel, and overseeing discovery from start to finish. The role offers hands-on management of Kraft Heinz’s diverse portfolio of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, marketing class actions, personal injury suits, insurance coverage litigation, and beyond—as well as close contact with Kraft Heinz’s various business functions on pre-litigation supplier claims and internal investigations.

Key Components of the role:

· Provide practical legal advice and strategic litigation management across Kraft Heinz’s U.S. functions and business units.

· Play a key role in managing the Company’s complex U.S. litigation docket, while also providing support in the areas of claims, discovery, research, risk management, reporting, and legal training.

· Manage e-discovery and be responsible for liaising with the Company’s IT personnel regarding data preservation, collection, and production.

· Interact with business leaders while presenting on opportunities, risks, and industry legal trends.

· Actively manage outside counsel retained to represent Kraft Heinz in state and federal courts, arbitrations, and other forums.

· Prepare witnesses for deposition, arbitration and trial testimony, and attend mediations, arbitrations, and trials on behalf of Kraft Heinz.

· Opportunities to assist with internal Ethics & Compliance investigations, as needed.

· Limited travel required (less than 10%).

Minimum Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school

· 3+ commercial litigation experience at a medium-to-large-sized law firm with hands-on involvement in various stages of litigation .

· Member of the Illinois State Bar in good standing or qualified to obtain either Admission on Motion pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705 or Limited Admission of House Counsel pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716

· Substantial experience with e-discovery

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Sound judgment and ability to think on your feet

· Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships and communicate clearly and professionally with external counsel, vendors, and internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.

· Ability to manage outside counsel effectively

Other Required Skills:

· Communication — translates complex legal issues into actionable business guidance; tailors messaging to audiences (e.g., counsel, cross-functional teams, executives) and uses active listening and persuasive presentation skills to influence outcomes.

· Creative—provides innovative legal and business solutions. Brings a “my business” mindset to their everyday activities.

· Leadership – exercises professional judgment while managing high volume of complex legal issues, with minimal supervision.

EEO Statement

Kraft Heinz is an EO employer - Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.