ALDI is a fast-growing retailer, and our Legal team plays a critical role in supporting how we scale-by identifying risk early, advising with practical, business-focused guidance, and helping drive smart, efficient outcomes. In this full-time Legal hybrid role located in Aurora, IL (in-office at least 2 days per month), you'll join a collaborative team of experienced practitioners and directly support corporate leadership with legal matters that impact day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
In this role, the Senior Counsel - Labor & Employment will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership-proactively identifying risk, guiding strategic decisions, and driving best-in-class legal practices across the organization. This position offers the opportunity to own complex matters from pre-litigation strategy through resolution, influence policy development, and collaborate cross-functionally to support ALDI's continued growth. If you're a results-driven attorney who thrives on autonomy, values practical problem-solving, and is energized by partnering with the business to deliver forward-thinking solutions, this role offers a unique platform to make a meaningful impact.
Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary: $186,250
Salary Increases: Year 2 - $196,750 | Year 3 - $207,000
Work Location: Aurora, IL
This role is eligible to participate in ALDI's Legal Hybrid Work Program, which requires work in-office at least 2 days per month.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Provides input to their direct leader concerning personnel hiring.
• Identifies legal issues and recommends responsive action.
• Engages with business, external parties, suppliers involved in the legal process, and internal/external counsel regarding relevant areas of expertise.
• Evaluates and analyzes legal issues and reports findings, as well as recommendations, to direct leader.
• Advises on any changes or actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the team.
• Informs management of recurring issues or when additional team training may be required.
• Reviews work performed by the team and suggests substantive improvements.
• Works strategically and independently to provide guidance to internal team members and relevant areas of the business.
• Researches, analyzes, and keeps current on legal issues and laws, legislation, regulations, and court decisions affecting the relevant areas of law; identifies and communicates impactful updates to the team.
• Performs pre-litigation work without significant oversight, including providing timely and insightful counseling and advice, to minimize risks and potential legal liability.
• Identifies and analyzes company procedures on a proactive basis to ensure best practices.
• Prepares reports and analyzes data to identify exposures and risks.
• Manages strategies for reducing costs and transferring risk.
• Provides proactive analysis of current projects and analytical review of reported results.
• Drafts memorandums, attorney correspondence, reports, and other legal documents.
• Leads legal policies and strategic planning related to their area of subject matter expertise in order to support tactical business growth.
• Manages complex legal negotiations with key stakeholders and vendors while collaborating with various cross-functional business teams providing for stronger Legal and Business relationships.
• Communicates complex information and legal concepts to a broad range of clients, from ALDI employees to executive management.
• Supports Corporate Counsels in providing the business with accurate and timely advice and counseling on a wide variety of legal matters.
• Leverages legal expertise, experience, and business acumen to support the company in achieving its objectives.
• Assists in training and developing team members to retain a motivated and professional workforce.
• Collaborates with team members and communicates relevant information to leadership.
• Upholds the security and confidentiality of documents and data within area of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.
Job-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
• Consistently demonstrates the Mindsets, ALDI Acts Competencies and Professional Skills (M.A.P.) as outlined for the role.
• Gives attention to detail and follows instruction.
• Prepares written materials to meet purpose and audience.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively within a group.
• Understands the history, strategy, organizational authority, interdependence of job duties, products, systems, and services of the company.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Proficient in legal analysis, drafting, research, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of United States employment law, contract law, and/or data privacy law and ability to assist in defending the company against various areas of litigation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to analyze and present complex data.
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of retail industry standards and practices.
• Negotiation skills.
• Ability to apply creative solutions.
• Proficient in reviewing data to determine accuracy and completeness.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a legal environment required.
• Experience in a law firm, corporate legal department or in-house legal counsel required.
• J.D. required from an ABA accredited law school; licensed to practice in Illinois (or immediate ability to become licensed) required.
• Knowledge of contract law, data privacy, litigation, employment law and/or commercial disputes required.
Physical Requirements:
• Work may be performed in an office, remote office, or a combination of both where a computer and office equipment may be used as needed to perform duties.
• Regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, stand and move from one area to another.
• Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs.
Travel:
• Domestic travel required.
• Up to 10%.
ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, to all employees including:
- 401(k) Plan
- Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- PerkSpot National Discount Program
In addition, full-time employees are offered:
- Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays
- Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay
- Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay
- Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Term Life Insurance
*Full-time employees average 30 or more hours per week within an annual lookback period
**Benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees may vary by state
Click here to learn more about the benefits ALDI has to offerALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
