Director, Compliance Counsel - CAVA : Job Details

Company Profile

At CAVA, we love what we do, and we try and make every day as fulfilling as the last. Our restaurants need Team Members to make the magic happen every day. Everyone matters and we're here to celebrate your growth. We are a rapidly growing restaurant company dedicated to providing wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that delights our guests and nourishes communities. With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across the country.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

• Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others
• Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious
• Act with Agility: We welcome change; it's the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt
• Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility
• Collective AmbitionWe have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose

Director, Compliance Counsel

The Director, Compliance Counsel will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of legal compliance efforts at CAVA, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing our restaurants, Support Centers, and CAVA Foods. This role in our Legal Department will collaborate cross-functionally with operations, people and culture, tech, and other departments to assess regulatory changes, communicate applicable requirements, and drive training and auditing initiatives. The Director, Compliance Counsel will serve as a strategic partner in maintaining a culture of compliance while supporting the company's growth and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

• Monitor, interpret, and assess new and existing federal, state, and local regulations impacting the restaurants, Support Centers, and CAVA Foods, including wage and hour, benefits, labor relations, licensing and permitting, and data privacy.
• Partner with operations, people and culture, tech, and other departments to provide guidance on how regulatory changes can be integrated into business processes.
• Assist with the development and delivery of training programs to educate Team Members and internal stakeholders on compliance obligations, including policies and procedures, workplace regulations, and industry-specific standards.
• Advise on and assist with audits and risk assessments conducted to ensure compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and provide recommended corrective actions as needed.
• Review and update compliance-related policies, procedures, and provide guidelines to address regulatory changes and industry best practices.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders and senior leadership on compliance risks and regulatory developments.
• Investigate and advise on compliance-related issues, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Stay informed of emerging trends and regulatory developments at the federal, state, and local levels through participation in industry associations and professional networks.

The Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar license required.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a law firm or company legal department, with at least 3 years focused on hospitality, retail, or food service industries. In-house experience is strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local regulations that impact multi-unit operations across multiple states.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex regulatory requirements.
• Ability to balance regulatory requirements with business objectives in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
• Proven ability to draft, design, deliver, and present effective company policies and training programs in a dynamic, multi-state environment.
• Detail-oriented with sound judgement, including strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills and the ability to constructively, efficiently, and collegially collaborate with business partners.
• Must be responsive, proactive, and a self-starter capable of taking projects to completion and problem-solving along the way.
• Willing to work flexibly (Including at night and on weekends, as necessary) and to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What we offer

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All exempt and non-exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all cash range.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

CAVA – Joining A culture, not a concept

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice. As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.