Reports to: CEO
Location: Headquarters – Delray Beach, FL
About Us:
Now Optics is a leader in the eye care industry. Its retail brands, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, are amongst the fastest-growing, full-service retail optical centers throughout the country. The company consistently ranks among the largest optical retailers in the country by Vision Monday. Now Optics continues to expand its retail footprint with almost 300 corporate and franchise locations while delivering affordable eye care services and providing a fast and friendly customer experience. We believe in building a positive and cohesive culture where everyone is contributing towards a common goal and set of values.
Vision: Modernizing the eye care experience for all people.
Mission: Making eye care easy.
Values: iCARE
Integrity: We see integrity as building a foundation of trust with our customers, employees and stakeholders by communicating honestly, ensuring consistency and delivering on our commitments.
Collaboration: We see collaboration as combining the talents of a diverse group, offering proactive communication and being open-minded to new ideas.
Accountability: We see accountability as taking initiative, delivering our best in all we do, accepting responsibility for our actions and taking ownership of results.
Respect: We see respect as prioritizing human relationships, being present, connecting with transparency and empathy.
Empowerment: We see empowerment as making purpose-driven decisions to support the company vision, showing appreciation for others, and taking care of the individuals we serve.
Job Description and Profile:
The General Counsel is directly responsible for all legal matters concerning Now Optics and its subsidiaries; ensures that the Company's business, practices, policies and dealings meet regulatory requirements for both corporate and franchise entities to protect the Company from legal action; manages the Company's defense, interprets and prepares legal documents and provides counsel to corporate management on legal matters. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills who can effectively navigate the legal landscape of the optical retail industry. The General Counsel will report directly to the CEO and will work closely with the executive team to support the company's growth and operations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Company's legal advisor, monitor case law, regulatory matters, proposed legislation and other developments as it relates to the Company's business; counsel and advise the officers, directors and corporate personnel to the legal and strategic aspects of activities within their assigned areas; and actively participate as necessary in presenting the Company's position on issues raised. Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.
- Advise the executive team and board of directors on legal risks and implications related to business strategies and decisions.
- Oversee and manage all legal matters, including contracts, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, and litigation.
- Ensure compliance with all federal and state laws governing optical retail operations, including health and safety regulations, consumer protection, and advertising standards.
- Manage and review franchise agreements, ensuring legal compliance and protecting the company's interests while fostering positive relationships with franchisees.
- Develop and implement company-wide policies and procedures to promote legal compliance and minimize risk.
- Represent the company in litigation and oversee outside counsel as needed in various legal matters.
- Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may affect the business, recommending proactive steps to address potential issues.
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal matters, including risk management and compliance best practices.
- Collaborate with a variety of departments, including finance, marketing, operations, Clinical, and human resources, to ensure that all business activities align with legal requirements.
- Lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal function within the organization.
Education & Experience
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active state bar membership in Florida.
- Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with significant experience in corporate law, franchise law, and retail operations.
- Proven experience as a General Counsel or equivalent role, ideally in a company with a comparable size and scope.
- Strong understanding of the optical retail industry preferred and relevant regulations.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- Strong leadership and management skills with a track record of developing legal teams and advising cross functional teams.
