Head of Legal

Summary

Join HungryPanda, a leading food delivery platform specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine, as the Head of Legal for North America. This role requires a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in commercial and transactional law, litigation management, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters across the United States and Canada, ensuring compliance with local and federal laws, mitigating legal risks, and providing strategic legal guidance to support the company's business objectives. You will lead a team of legal professionals, manage complex legal issues, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive business success. Proficiency in bilingual English and Mandarin is essential for effective communication with global stakeholders.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) from an accredited law school
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar or eligibility to register as in-house counsel in the U.S
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing legal teams
• Extensive experience in commercial and transactional law, litigation management, and regulatory compliance
• Proven track record of leading large-scale litigation and government investigations
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills
• Deep understanding of U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations, with the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to balance legal risks with business objectives
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in bilingual (English and Mandarin)to effectively communicate with global stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the North American leadership team, providing strategic guidance on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across the U.S. and Canada
• Develop and implement the legal strategy for North America, aligning with the company’s global objectives
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of legal professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, including merchant agreements, advertising agreements, partnership agreements, vendor contracts, and terms of use
• Ensure all agreements align with the company’s risk tolerance and business goals
• Provide guidance on complex commercial and transactional matters, leveraging a solid understanding of contractual principles and industry best practices
• Lead the formulation and execution of litigation strategies, including managing external counsel and coordinating with internal teams to gather and prepare litigation materials
• Oversee internal compliance matters related to litigation, including product compliance, operational compliance, and HR-related legal issues
• Manage and resolve disputes efficiently to minimize legal and reputational risks
• Monitor and analyze changes in laws and regulations across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring the company’s operations remain compliant
• Design and implement compliance programs to reduce litigation risks and enhance the company’s legal posture
• Regularly review and update the company’s major agreements, templates, and external policies to mitigate legal exposure
• Lead the company’s response to government investigations, ensuring timely and effective resolution
• Provide expert guidance on labor and employment matters, particularly in industries such as food delivery and fresh produce
• Collaborate with HR and other departments to address labor-related legal challenges
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including business development, operations, HR, and finance, to provide legal support and ensure alignment with company objectives
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, offering proactive legal insights to support decision-making
• Facilitate communication with global stakeholders, including those in Mandarin-speaking regions, to ensure alignment on legal and compliance matters

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in labor and employment law, particularly in the food delivery, fresh produce, or related industries, is highly preferred
• In-house legal experience within a multinational corporation is strongly preferred
• Experience managing legal matters in Canada is a plus

Benefits

• Candidates located in New York, Los Angeles, or San Jose are expected to join the team on-site 2–4 days per week
• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year