Deputy General Counsel - Litigation

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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As Deputy General Counsel-Litigation at Smithfield Foods, you will provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership and oversee complex legal matters that impact the Company’s operations and growth. This role supports the Chief Legal Officer in managing the Legal Department and ensures legal strategies align with Smithfield’s business objectives, values, and risk profile. You’ll advise on corporate governance, litigation, regulatory compliance, contracts, and other high-impact matters, while also mentoring attorneys and legal staff. Acting as a trusted partner to the business, you help balance opportunity with risk, enabling Smithfield to operate with integrity, efficiency, and accountability.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Strategic Legal Counsel: Advise senior leadership on regulatory, litigation, and business matters, ensuring alignment with Smithfield’s objectives and risk profile.
• Department Leadership: Support the Chief Legal Officer in leading the Legal Department, including mentoring attorneys and staff, overseeing workflows, and ensuring operational excellence.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Oversee significant litigation and dispute resolution matters, managing strategy, outside counsel, and costs.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Monitor and advise on regulatory developments, compliance risks, and emerging legal issues that affect the Company’s operations.
• Business Partnership: Collaborate with business units across supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and IT to deliver practical legal solutions that enable growth while protecting the Company.
• Policy & Risk Management: Contribute to policy development and risk management strategies that uphold Smithfield’s ethical standards and business practices.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Education & Experience: JD degree from an accredited law school and 15+ years of broad legal experience in a corporate legal department and/or top law firm, with proven leadership responsibilities.
• Bar Admission: Must be admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Legal Expertise: Demonstrated depth in litigation, regulatory compliance, and investigations within a complex business environment.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Strong leader who can guide attorneys and staff, foster professional development, and create a high-performing legal team.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and align legal strategy with long-term business goals.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to executives, board members, and business leaders.
• Judgment & Problem Solving: Critical thinker with sound judgment and the ability to deliver creative, well-reasoned solutions under pressure.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Proven success working cross-functionally with diverse business units to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Integrity & Accountability: High ethical standards, personal accountability, and a commitment to advancing Smithfield’s values and culture of integrity.

The expected pay range for this position is $225,000 - $300,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.