Managing Counsel

There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We’ve been selling products to many of the world’s leading food companies, retailers and restaurants for over 35 years. A privately owned and financially sound company, we do our best to run our business based on Christian values. Whether it’s cooking up great tasting food, assisting in customer support, providing quality and production leadership, or supporting administrative or technical activities, a career at Request Foods is a great opportunity. At Request, we’ve achieved success by treating our employees with integrity, trust and respect. If you’re passionate about food, and the people who help produce it, then Request Foods might just be for you.

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.
Request Foods is seeking an experienced, business-oriented Managing Counsel to serve as the Company’s in-house attorney and strategic legal partner. This position plays a critical role in protecting the Company while enabling growth. The Managing Counsel will be central to effectively managing risk across contracts with customers, suppliers, and vendors; ensuring regulatory compliance including food-industry specific regulations; and advising leadership on strategic matters and initiatives.
The position also provides broad legal support across various disciplines such as litigation, acquisitions and real estate transactions among others. The ideal candidate combines deep legal expertise with strong commercial judgment and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Prior experience in the food industry is a plus. This position is based on site in Holland, Michigan. Candidates must be able to work in person at our Holland, MI location.
Essential Responsibilities:1. Commercial Contracts (Primary Focus)Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including customer supply and production agreements (retail, wholesale, CPG and private label) as well as supplier and vendor contractsProvide guidance on key contractual provisions, including indemnification, limitation of liability, warranties, and risk allocationPartner with commercial, procurement, and operations teams to balance legal protection with business objectives by providing counsel on key commercial termsIdentify and mitigate contractual risks specific to food manufacturing, including product quality, recall exposure, and supply chain risk
2. Regulatory & Food Industry ComplianceEnsure compliance with applicable food industry laws and regulations, including FDA, USDA, FSMA requirements, as well as food labeling, food safety, and Good Manufacturing PracticesAdvise cross-functional teams (Quality, Regulatory, Operations) on compliance mattersSupport product labeling reviews, claims substantiation, and regulatory disclosuresMonitor and interpret changes in food safety and regulatory requirementsCoordinate with external counsel as appropriate
3. Litigation & Risk ManagementManage litigation, claims, and disputes, including product liability matters and supplier/customer disputes.Coordinate with external counsel and insurersSupport internal investigations and risk mitigation strategies
4. Corporate & Strategic TransactionsProvide legal support for acquisitions and strategic partnerships, including due diligence activities and transaction structuring.Advise on legal risks associated with new markets, products, or business initiatives
5. Real Estate & ConstructionReview and negotiate real estate transactions, leases, land use agreements, and construction contracts related to plant expansions and capital projects.Ensure compliance with applicable zoning, environmental, and construction laws
6. Internal Advisory & GovernanceServe as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on legal, regulatory, and risk matters, supporting various matters as assignedDevelop and implement policies, training, and compliance programsTranslate complex legal concepts into practical business guidanceSupport a culture of compliance without impeding operational efficiencyFoster and maintain relationships with and provide cost-effective use and oversight of external legal counsel, consultants and advisors.
Key Qualifications:Education & ExperienceJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law schoolLicensed to practice law in the State of MichiganMinimum of 15 years of legal experience, preferably including in-house experience within the food manufacturing, CPG, or other regulated industries, and/or law firm experience supporting manufacturing or consumer products clients. xzbcwsv
Key CompetenciesDeep expertise in commercial contracts and negotiationsStrong working knowledge of food industry regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA, labeling requirements)Experience in litigation management and risk mitigationExposure to M&A, real estate, and construction mattersProven ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and operate independently in a high-growth environment.
Leadership & Personal AttributesHigh business acumen and practical decision-makingStrong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage with senior leadership and customersCollaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindsetAbility to prioritize and manage multiple competing demands effectivelyPositive and professional demeanor including under stressful situationsAbility to work independently while also being available to and collaborating with business partnersTrustworthy, dependable, and reliable
Benefits and Perks:MedicalDentalVision401kPaid Paternity LeaveWellbeing programsImmediate Holiday PayPaid Time OffProfit Sharing