Senior Legal Counsel, Ethics - Charlotte - Circle K

Description

About the job

JOIN OUR TEAM At Couche-Tard/Circle K, our mission is simple: to make our customer's lives a little easier everyday. You may have already stopped for coffee, refueling your car, or eating something on the go. Then, you know what Couche-Tard/Circle K is. We have grown into a successful global company with over 17,000 stores in 29 countries, serving almost 9 million customers every day. In total, approximately 149,000 people work in our stores and offices. We make journeys easier by offering fast and friendly service. We care about our people and our communities, and we look for ways to uplift people first. Wherever your journey's going, we can help you get there. Are you ready to grow your career? Let's grow together

Senior Legal Counsel, Ethics & Compliance

THE ROLE

We are seeking a hands‑on, experienced Senior Legal Counsel, Ethics & Compliance to support our Global Compliance function, reporting directly to the Global Compliance Director. This role is ideal for an internal counsel who enjoys risk mitigation, understanding and implementing ethical decision‑making frameworks, developing and delivering training, rolling out Code of Conduct initiatives, and contributing to projects in a fast‑paced, growing international environment.

The role requires a strong understanding of compliance frameworks applicable to complex, high‑risk industries—including fuel distribution, tobacco, lottery/gaming, financial transactions, anti‑corruption, and AML environments.

What You'll Do

Want to start your career with us? Here's an overview of the main responsibilities of this position:

• Code of Ethics, Supplier Code of Conduct & Compliance Program Support
• Contribute to the drafting, maintenance, and revision of the company's Ethics Code of Conduct ("ECOC") and related compliance policies.
• Draft and adapt Code content for different global audiences, ensuring clarity, legal accuracy, and applicability across diverse operational contexts.
• Support the development and updating of the Supplier Code of Conduct, incorporating ESG expectations, responsible sourcing requirements, and third‑party risk management (TPRM) principles.
• Provide practical legal guidance on Code‑related questions, including conflicts of interest, gifts & entertainment, anti‑corruption, AML, competition law, and ethical business practices.
• Compliance Program Development & Legal Advisory
• Assist in designing and enhancing compliance programs and processes based on legal requirements and best practices.
• Conduct legal research, support risk assessments, and help draft new or updated compliance policies.
• Provide practical, business‑oriented legal advice to internal stakeholders on ethics, regulatory requirements, and compliance expectations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Business Partnering
• Collaborate closely with Global Compliance, Legal, Internal Audit, HR, Finance, Operations, Procurement, ESG, and IT Security.
• Support integration of Code of Ethics and Supplier Code expectations into operational processes, supplier onboarding, and TPRM workflows.
• Participate in cross‑functional projects to strengthen ethical culture and compliance controls across the organization.
• Training, Awareness & Culture Building
• Support the development and delivery of engaging training materials on ethical conduct, compliance policies, and supplier standards.
• Help prepare communication materials and awareness campaigns for employees and various stakeholders.
• Contribute to building a culture of integrity through education, clarity, and ongoing reinforcement of ethical expectations.
• Investigations & Issue Resolution
• Provide legal support in internal investigations involving potential ECOC violations or supplier‑related concerns.
• Assist with fact‑finding, interviews, documentation review, and legal analysis.
• Help identify corrective actions and improvements to compliance policies, procedures, and controls based on investigation outcomes.
• Reporting, Governance & Regulatory Monitoring
• Support preparation of compliance and ethics reports for leadership and governance committees.
• Help maintain dashboards, documentation, and reporting on Code‑related metrics, training completion, supplier compliance themes, and emerging risks.
• Monitor relevant regulatory developments affecting ethics, compliance, ESG, and third‑party oversight, and support updates as needed.

What You'll Need

We want you to join our team Here's what we're looking for:

Education:

• Law degree (LL.B., J.D.) and membership in good standing with a provincial/state bar.
• Preferred certifications:
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
  • CCEP (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional)
  • LPEC (Leadership Professional in Ethics & Compliance)
  • CAMS, CFE, or other certifications relevant to anti‑corruption, AML, ethics, or third‑party oversight

Experience:

• 7–10+ years of experience in ethics & compliance, regulatory law, anti‑corruption/AML, TPRM, COI and related areas.
• Experience drafting and operationalizing Codes of Ethics, Supplier Codes of Conduct, or compliance policies.
• Familiarity with ESG expectations, responsible sourcing requirements, and third‑party risk management (TPRM).
• Experience advising internal clients in a highly regulated or complex operational environment (e.g., fuel, retail, tobacco, lottery/gaming, financial transactions).
• Strong ability to analyze legal and ethical risks and provide practical, business‑oriented guidance.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional leaders and navigate sensitive or confidential matters with discretion.

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong ethical judgment, integrity, and ability to apply legal principles to real‑world operational scenarios.
• Excellent collaborator and team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Skilled communicator able to translate legal and compliance concepts for non‑legal audiences.
• Comfortable drafting policies, training, and written communications for various global audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage multiple priorities, and support new processes or initiatives in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Detail‑oriented with strong documentation and writing skills.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK HERE:

At Couche‑Tard/Circle K, we believe that our team members are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you're not just getting a job – you're becoming part of a vibrant community where your talents are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your contributions make a real difference. Here's why you'll love working with us:

INTERESTED?

You are only a few clicks away from joining an exceptional company Visit our careers page at to submit your application. We can't wait to hear from you

At Couche‑Tard/Circle K, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team and contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We thank all candidates for their interest in this position. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further steps in the hiring process.

Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company's Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Click below to review information about our company's use of the federal E-Verify program to check work eligibility:

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