Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Legal Operations Manager

The Legal Operations Manager will play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our legal and compliance departments.   Responsibilities include developing and implementing processes and systems that streamline legal workflows, including contract lifecycle management and e-discovery support. 

• Use PDS to enhance performance within the company through evaluation, planning, and goal execution. Strive to constantly develop oneself as a valuable asset through personal and professional growth and attention to the position’s outcomes. Support the widespread use of PDS and support company culture within the organization.
• Develop and implement efficient legal workflows and processes. Identify areas for improvement within the legal and compliance departments and provide solutions.  Ensure that all legal operations are compliant with internal policies and external regulations.  Implement tools and technologies to streamline contract management processes.
• Work with CLO to optimize and manage the Legal Department’s financial processes, including budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, expense administration, e-billing, and matter management. Own and optimize the Department’s e-billing activity. Work with the Legal team, business teams, and vendors to enhance data analytics and reporting capabilities to improve decision-making. Provide creative thinking to develop cost efficiencies while maintaining excellent legal representation.
• Provide support for e-discovery processes, including data collection, review, and production. Implement e-discovery tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.  Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with e-discovery requirements.  Stay current on best practices in Legal Department operations.  Educate, encourage innovation, and influence change. Foster a culture of sharing.
• Formulate the technology strategy for the Legal Department. Identify, implement, maintain, and optimize technologies used by the Legal Department, including matter management, contract management, knowledge management, e-billing, e-discovery, and e-signature tools. Perform day-to-day operational support for updates, enhancements, troubleshooting, system access, and vendor support for Legal Department technologies.  Process and track updates and enhancements to technologies and tools to ensure proper implementation.   Create and maintain systems for managing the contract lifecycle, from initiation to execution and renewal.
• Facilitate centralized management and leveraged use of the Legal Department’s institutional knowledge. Organize and create standard operating procedures.  Coordinate the drafting of internal guides, resources, and form documents.  Create useful resources and trainings related to Department systems and processes. Lead and support change management efforts related to specific functional areas as well as larger Departmental goals.  Ensure timely and accurate contract administration.
• Manage the process for hiring and overseeing outside counsel and other legal vendors and driving efficiencies in this space. Own and enhance processes related to sourcing and vendor management, including activities such as contract renewals, law firm conflict waivers, working with attorneys to prepare and review requests for proposal (RFPs), new vendor setup, and implementing enhanced billing and matter management policies.

Requirements

MUST

• Bachelor's Degree
• Exceptional project management skills and experience with the ability to manage multiple projects, initiatives and deadlines concurrently.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in legal technology tools and systems, such as contract management software and e-discovery platforms.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
• 5 years Experience in legal operations or a related role within a corporate legal department or law firm.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree or certification in legal operations, project management, or a related field.
• Experience in Alcohol Beverage Industry or CPG overall
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements related to the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Physical Requirements

• In-person job attendance

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