Job Description

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our communities, and are guided by our ROCKS philosophy (Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness and Service). We are committed to moving people forward and encourage everyone to apply their passion at CPK. So go ahead…be bold, be epic, be YOU!

** This is a hybrid role, but requires three days a week in person at our Restaurant Support Center in Costa Mesa, CA.

WHO IS CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

We are passionate individuals committed to inspiring others by bringing California creativity to every meal! Founded in 1985, former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax combined their fervor for food and fresh ingredients to create innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club and Thai Chicken that are created in a lively open kitchen. The concept gave California a place in the pizza revolution alongside Chicago and New York. CPK has since become the place for taste makers, rule breakers and earth shakers who conquer challenges by daring to work on the edge and thinking outside the box. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Corporate Counsel is responsible for negotiating contractual matters within core business areas, they provide advice on legal and business risks and assist in guiding future growth initiatives. They oversee legal affairs, draft, and negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage litigation matters. The Corporate Counsel provides counsel to the executive team regarding corporate governance, employment law, and risk mitigation. They also support franchise operations.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Negotiate and draft business contracts, including franchise, procurement, marketing, operations, facilities, IT, accounting, and technology. Maintain contracts database.
• Serve as subject-matter expert on data privacy matters, helping to ensure corporate and vendor compliance with data privacy law.
• Manage portfolio of trademarks.
• Maintain state registrations in all states in which the Company does business.
• Supervise licensing and permitting vendors and outside counsel. Research and manage extraordinary licensing or permitting issues.
• Assist litigation counsel in managing patent, trademark, and contractual litigation matters, including preparing document productions, and responding to discovery requests.
• Monitor state and local regulations affecting the restaurant industry and advise regarding compliance efforts, including, but not limited to, alcohol sales, packaging, menu, and COVID-related regulations.
• Assist in drafting and negotiating real estate leases.
• Assist in extraordinary landlord-tenant issues.
• Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with business goals.
• Provides legal advice to the executive team and operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including vendor agreements, real estate leases, and franchise agreements.
• Ensure contracts meet regulatory requirements and safeguard the company's interests.
• Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local regulations affecting the restaurant industry.
• Design and implement compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws.
• Oversee legal aspects of franchise operations, from contract negotiations to ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with franchise partners and provide legal support for dispute resolution.
• Manage and coordinate litigation matters, working closely with external counsel.
• Develop strategies for dispute resolution and risk mitigation.
• Proactively identify legal risks and work towards mitigating potential liabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement risk management strategies.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulations.
• Conduct due diligence and navigate legal aspects of business expansion initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA accredited law school, superior academic credentials.
• Member in good standing of at least one State Bar (California preferred) and eligible to become certified as an authorized Counsel in California.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations. (Experience with California Consumer Privacy Act and other state and federal privacy laws strongly preferred.)
• 5+ years of legal experience (large law firm or in-house experience strongly preferred).
• Experience in advising retail and/or restaurant clients strongly preferred.
• Experience in reviewing/drafting contracts required; experience in drafting franchise contracts and disclosures strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of business risks and opportunities in negotiation of contracts.
• Approaches obstacles proactively and looks for creative solutions to further business needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of management, staff, outside counsel, and business partners
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and a strong dedication to providing prompt, excellent client service to internal and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling multiple simultaneous projects with minimal supervision.
• Analytical ability and strong attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently exposed to computers.
• Noise level and temperature are moderate.
• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for up to 10 hours a day.
• Occasionally required to stoop, bend, or kneel, lift up to 25 lbs.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

THE PERKS

• Tremendously passionate, one-of-a-kind company culture.
• Opportunities for growth and development. We love promoting from within!
• Unique electronic learning platform appropriately titled “The Proof” to engage continuous development.
• All the pizza you can eat!
• An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills.
• Employee driven assistance program called the Kindness Fund which lends a helping hand to our team members encountering life challenges.
• Industry competitive compensation package including bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision and more.

NOTE: This job description is not a contract of employment. The job duties and requirements may be changed at any time, with or without notice, at the discretion of the employer to ensure the continued success of the business.

The current salary pay range for this role is: $155k-170k.

Various benefits are available for this position, including 401K, health, dental, vision, and disability insurance through CPK’s designated providers. CPK regularly reviews its benefits offerings and may change benefits and providers from time to time.

California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. Everyone has a seat at our table.

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