Assistant General Counsel, Corporate

The Vita Coco Company, created in 2004 by Co-CEO Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, produces the leading brand of coconut water in the United States with a growing presence around the world.

In 2021, The Vita Coco Company became a publicly traded, Public Benefit Corporation. With a growing portfolio of natural products, The Vita Coco Company has identified its public benefit purpose as creating ethical, sustainable products that uplift communities and do right by our planet by harnessing and protecting nature’s resources.

In 2022, The Vita Coco Company was certified as a B Corporation™ furthering the Company’s commitment toward operating its business as a force for good, while delivering better-for-you products.

Vita Coco is headquartered in New York City with international offices in London and Singapore. The Company is Nasdaq-listed under ticker symbol COCO.

Reporting to the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (“General Counsel”), the Assistant General Counsel will be a key member of the Legal Team, supporting the team’s execution of the Company’s strategies, and assisting with corporate governance, securities laws and the obligations of the Company as a public company including equity management. The role involves acting in collaboration with members of the Leadership Team, the Finance Group and many other partners within the Company.   

The job is a unique opportunity for a lawyer to be part of an entrepreneurial leadership team and participate in business decisions for a small international company in a fast-paced growth environment. This position will be based in our NYC headquarters (3 day in-office requirement).   

Main Responsibilities:  

• Legal review and preparation of public company disclosure submissions, including SEC securities filings, such as proxy statements, Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and Section 16 filings, 10b5-1 plans, collaborating closely with Finance and other groups within the Company. 

• Ensure compliance with U.S. securities laws and exchange listing rules and other applicable requirements.  

• Assist with corporate governance requirements and counsel on best practices.  

• Drafting, analyzing and negotiating complex and routine commercial contracts, including marketing (including influencer, promotion and independent contractors), master services, supply chain, distribution, non-disclosure, and licensing and other technology agreements.   

• Create and manage policies and procedures relating to public company matters, including equity trading, Regulation FD, Section 16, FCPA, antitrust and disclosure committee policies. 

• Stay up to date on securities and Delaware law trends and educate internal teams as needed.  

• Provide support to the Company’s Board of Directors and Board Committee members and assist with the preparation of Board and Committee meeting materials.  

• Review and assist with ESG-related legal requirements and disclosures. 

• Oversee subsidiary management, including ensuring the satisfaction of governance and local requirements.  

• Support equity management program.  

• Manage transactions such as entry into credit agreements and securities offerings.  

• Counseling on both the business and legal ramifications of significant Company strategic imperatives, including possible mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and investments. 

• Assist with due diligence and drafting and negotiation of legal agreements in connection with mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and investments. 

• Active participation as a key member of the Legal Team in the resolution of a broad range of legal and business issues, working with multiple departments across the Company. 

• Manage outside counsel and help manage department budget and forecast. 

• Ensuring that the Company’s management and Board are advised of any new legislation or regulation which may significantly affect the Company. 

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Experience:  

The Assistant General Counsel must be an experienced lawyer with the legal background, commercial orientation and interpersonal skills sufficient to provide strong legal and compliance support at a public company, while being a team player and operating effectively in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. They will be a person of high integrity, judgment, and business acumen who is collaborative and comfortable working with colleagues at every level of the organization. They will have experience in public company corporate and securities matters and corporate transactions (including M&A). They will be comfortable rolling up their sleeves and digging in on the day-to-day legal requirements as part of a small internal legal team, knowing when to execute internally or to outsource as needed. 

In terms of a specific profile, it would be most desirable if the candidate has the following background: 

• Law degree from an accredited U.S. law school and be a member of a state bar.  

• Law firm experience with substantial exposure to corporate & securities law.  

• Experience in a publicly held corporation with a global business. 

• Knowledge of SEC filing requirements, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, Nasdaq rules, and Delaware corporate law.  

• Experience counseling senior management on legal matters, including the securities and corporate governance requirements of a public company. 

• Mergers and acquisitions and strategics transactions experience. 

• Experience assessing and mitigating legal risk.  

• Works well in a multidisciplinary team environment. Demonstrated ability to cooperate with and relate to company personnel at all corporate and operating levels. 

• Experience working in a hands-on legal role within a small multi-functional legal department, while managing external counsel. 

• Brings a pragmatic and balanced approach. 

• A strong work ethic, with a sense of urgency, honesty and fairness. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills 

At The Vita Coco Company, compensation decisions are dependent upon a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to: skill set, experience, education, training, licensure and certifications, knowledge and abilities of the applicant, alignment with market data, and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current pay range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000. This range may vary for positions that will be performed outside of California, Colorado, Nevada, New York City, Westchester County, NY, Rhode Island, or Washington.

The Vita Coco Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.