Skip to main content

Lead Counsel, Commercial

Newport Beach, California 610 Newport Center Drive, 92660

CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD

Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.

THE OPPORTUNITY

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Draft, negotiate, and review a variety of domestic and international commercial agreements, including supply chain, SAAS, licensing, merchandising, manufacture and supply, consulting, marketing, agency, benefits, and other operational agreements.
  • Provide day-to-day legal counsel to various departments and comprehensive management and resolution of legal inquiries from business team members.
  • Partner with cross-functional business teams to advise on strategic initiatives, risk mitigation, and contract strategy, and to analyze legal risks, devise creative solutions, and develop strong, trusted advisor relationships.
  • Lead complex negotiations independently, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
  • Assist Legal department efforts in the creation, implementation and refinement of forms, policies and procedures and prepare and deliver trainings to business groups from time to time.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce legal risk exposure.
  • Obtain and maintain a solid knowledge of company products, services and objectives.
  • Consult with other members of the company’s Legal Department as well as outside counsel as necessary in providing solutions to the challenges faced by various internal business groups.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree, top 25 law school preferred
  • Active state bar membership and in good standing
  • 5-10 years of experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements at an internationally/nationally recognized law firm and/or in-house legal department, with in-house experience strongly preferred
  • Significant experience in structuring, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of agreements and identifying key issues – preferably with experience in general commercial transactions and business counseling
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to business
  • Highly motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Pragmatic, business-oriented approach to the practice of law with an ability to effectively balance risk mitigation with business needs

PAY TRANSPARENCY

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $182,000.00–$264,500.00. You are also eligible for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based upon performance and other factors. Actual compensation offered may vary depending on skill level, experience, and/or education. Chipotle offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, sick leave, vacation time, and much more. Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits for more details.

WHO WE ARE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. As a people-first company rooted in values, our purpose extends beyond serving nutritious food using real ingredients. It means hiring world-class individuals and fostering a culture that champions diversity, ensures equity, and celebrates inclusion. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact ADAaccommodations@chipotle.comif you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests. 

Job Legal Operations Job Posting 03/04/2026 Job Number JR-2026-00956215

You have not viewed any jobs recently.

  • Kitchen Leader Flint, Michigan 4485 Miller Road, 48532 Apply Now
  • Service Leader Arlington, Tennessee 5350 Airline Rd., 38002 Apply Now
  • Crew Member Riverbank, California 2207 Claribel Rd, Ste A, 95367 Apply Now

Dream JobsDo Come True

Looking for your ideal job? Join our Talent Community now by signing up for Job Alerts below. We’ll let you know when the position opens up.

Already signed up? click here

By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. Opens in new browser window