About RYAM
RYAM is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in filters, food, pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications. The Company also manufactures products for paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada and France, RYAM employs approximately 2,500 people and generates approximately $1.4 billion of revenues. More information is available at https://ryamglobal.com
RYAM’s intellectual property and manufacturing processes have been developed over 90 years, resulting in unique properties and very high quality and consistency. RYAM is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50 exporters and delivers products to 79 ports around the world, serving customers in 20 countries across five continents.
At RYAM, we’re shaping the future of talent.
RYAM has a specific purpose…to be the world’s leading manufacturer of renewable products, including paper, packaging, and high purity cellulose. We want smart, innovative people who can find new ways to solve challenging problems. We need talented professionals across multiple disciplines who want to contribute to the company’s mission and advance its vision, while also shaping its future.
How You’ll Shape the Future of the Law Department:
Labor & Employment/Human Resources Support:
- Support compliance and enforcement efforts for the company (U.S. and, where possible, Canada) with agencies and laws, including the NLRA, EEOC/Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and ERISA.
- Manage collective bargaining agreements, including negotiation and application, with the support of outside counsel, and assist facilities in evaluating and responding to grievances under various CBAs.
- Retain and manage outside counsel for arbitrations and litigation, serving as a liaison for facilities by providing evidence and witnesses.
- Respond to administrative complaints from the NLRB, EEOC, Florida Commission on Human Relations, and Georgia Human Rights Commission.
- Manage employment issues for foreign offices (London, Germany, Japan, China, South Korea), including employment contracts and HR matters, working with outside counsel as needed.
- Oversee non-compete process compliance and agreements.
- Support evaluations and compliance considerations for remote workforce locations outside of company office jurisdictions.
Litigation Management:
- Manage legal aspects of offensive and defensive supplier claims under $500k, including warranty, performance guarantees, and delay.
- Monitor claim status and provide legal direction and substantive work as needed.
- Report to Assistant General Counsels on claims in the U.S., Canada, and France.
- Respond to third-party subpoenas and other document requests.
- Manage asbestos litigation in coordination with outside counsel.
- Address and respond to personal injury and property damage claims from third parties.
- Collaborate with Risk Management on covered claims.
- Identify witnesses, take statements, collect documents, and assist outside counsel with complaints, discovery, and related matters.
- Manage the legal hold process and oversee the record retention program.
Safety & Environmental Support:
- Oversee third-party compliance audits and engage experts as needed to evaluate legal compliance aspects of safety and environmental issues.
Contract Review & Sourcing Support:
- Provide legal review of supplier contracts for MRO, Direct, Indirects, Wood Procurement, Transportation, and Logistics.
Operations Support:
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings as delegated.
- Provide day-to-day consultations on safety, environmental, transportation, incident reporting, and workers’ compensation claim evaluations.
Corporate Operations Support:
- Assist in drafting, socializing, and finalizing policy manual updates.
- Participate in or manage organizational actions and committees, such as the RYAM Political Action Committee, as needed.
What You Bring:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 10 years of legal practice experience, with law firm experience required; corporate legal department experience preferred but not mandatory.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Superior attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work both independently and cross-functionally.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Why You’ll Love Working for RYAM:
- Small law department advising the company on all legal issues related to running the business and achieving our operational and financial goals that offers the opportunity to work on diverse and unique legal issues in support of business units located throughout the world
- Competitive pay
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Bonus and merit-based incentives
- Company-paid and voluntary life insurance
- Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Wellness reimbursement
- Retirement plan
Join us at RYAM and be part of shaping the future!
EOE/Vet/Disability
What We Do
RYAM is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in filters, food, pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications. The Company also manufactures products for paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada and France, RYAM employs approximately 2,500 people and generates approximately $1.4 billion of revenues.
RYAM’s intellectual property and manufacturing processes have been developed over 90 years, resulting in unique properties and very high quality and consistency. RYAM is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50 exporters and delivers products to 79 ports around the world, serving customers in 20 countries across five continents.
