Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”) is looking for a Paralegal to join its Legal team. This person will help with the implementation of a new contract lifecycle management system by reviewing contracts for inclusion in the system and transferring them into the new contract management system. Other duties will include preparing documents, researching laws and regulations, conducting fact investigations, and maintaining files to assist the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and the Senior Manager of the Legal Department. This person will be responsible for reviewing executed contracts for key provisions and dates (to be included in the contract management system) and will work with Central’s corporate functions and business units to resolve routine legal issues, draft and administer contracts, assist with the filing of SEC Forms 3, 4 and 5, provide litigation support, including e-discovery support, assist with the tracking and maintenance of intellectual property assets, and maintain databases and calendars to ensure that deadlines are timely met. This will be a hybrid position at Central’s Phoenix, AZ office.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Reviews executed contracts for key provisions and dates to be reflected in the contract management system
• Prepares initial drafts of various agreements utilizing approved template
• Assists in reviewing and analyzing agreements received from contracting parties
• Reviews label and promotional materials to ensure compliance with various federal rules/regulations, including guidelines promulgated by the FTC
• Administers intellectual property (i.e., trademarks and patents), including trademark applications, trademark renewals, and patent maintenance fees, and assists with cease-and-desist letters
• Assists with filing of SEC Forms 3, 4 and 5
• Researches legal cases and other issues, investigates and assists with the preparation of litigation discovery and other documents
• Maintains various databases and calendars

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Certificate or diploma showing successful completion of Paralegal Studies from an ABA-approved school
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems (ideally either Coupa or SAP Ariba)
• Critical thinker
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Access)
• Excellent communication skills, including effective listening skills
• Strong drafting skills
• Strong interpersonal skills/ team player
• Excellent organizational skills and high level of attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively while adhering to time deadlines and responding with flexibility to changing priorities
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines
• General knowledge of various commercial contracts and contractual provisions, and civil litigation

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry~Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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