General Counsel, North America

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support the North America Region of COFCO International. The role will provide comprehensive legal advice and support on corporate and secretarial matters, entity governance, and commercial legal issues affecting the U.S.  and Mexico businesses. The ideal candidate will have 7 years of post-qualification experience, with exposure to the agricultural commodities or trading industry highly desirable.

This role will act as a key legal business partner, ensuring compliance with U.S. and Mexico corporate requirements while supporting strategic initiatives across the North America region.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Governance & Secretarial
• Manage corporate governance matters for the U.S. and Mexico entities, including board meetings, resolutions, and statutory filings.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations related to corporate structure and governance.
• Maintain corporate records and liaise with external corporate agents as required.
• Legal Advisory & Business Partnering
• Provide legal advice on commercial contracts, corporate law, and regulatory matters relevant to the agricultural commodities industry.
• Support business teams on structuring and negotiating agreements, including supply, distribution, and joint ventures.
• Advise on cross-border transactions, working closely with global legal colleagues.
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Monitor and advise on legal risks associated with business operations in the U.S. and Mexico
• Support compliance with applicable laws, including trade, anti-bribery, sanctions, and data protection.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining internal policies and procedures to mitigate legal risk.
• Collaboration & Representation
• Work closely with global legal teams to align on international corporate governance and reporting requirements.
• Engage with external counsel for specialist advice, managing costs and ensuring high-quality output.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business stakeholders within the U.S. and Mexico entity.

Qualifications & Experience

• J.D. degree from a recognized U.S. law school and admission to practice law in Illinois (or ability to qualify as in-house counsel).
• Minimum 7 years’ post-qualification experience, with a blend of law firm and in-house experience preferred.
• Strong expertise in corporate law, governance, and secretarial matters; additional experience in commercial contracts is a plus.
• Experience in the agricultural, commodity trading, food, or energy industries highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of U.S. corporate regulatory frameworks, with exposure to cross-border transactions.
• Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide pragmatic legal solutions in a fast-paced, international environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a leading global agri-business with strong growth ambitions.
• Exposure to a diverse and international working environment.
• A role that combines corporate governance with strategic legal advisory work.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.