SVP, General Counsel

SVP, General Counsel

Shoe Carnival (NASDAQ: SCVL) seeks a SVP, General Counsel to serve as the company's chief legal officer, reporting to the CFO with a strong partnership to the CEO. This hands‑on role in a lean organization will lead all legal matters for a publicly traded, growth‑oriented family footwear retailer with approximately $1.2 billion in revenue, 430+ stores across three banners, and an active M&A strategy.

The position is based at our Fort Mill, SC headquarters.

This is a hands‑on role in a lean organization. The ideal candidate thrives with autonomy, can navigate ambiguity, and is energized by building legal infrastructure that enables—rather than impedes—business growth.

• Serve as principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive team on corporate governance, securities compliance, and strategic initiatives
• Lead and execute M&A transactions from due diligence through integration, working closely with the CEO and CFO
• Provide guidance on SEC reporting obligations including Forms 10‑K, 10‑Q, 8‑K, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings
• Manage corporate governance matters including Board and committee support, D&O matters, and shareholder communications
• Draft, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts including real estate leases, vendor agreements, and licensing arrangements
• Provide guidance on employment law, HR matters, and workplace compliance across multi‑state retail operations
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution, engaging and overseeing outside counsel as appropriate
• Advise on intellectual property protection including trademarks (Shoe Carnival, Shoe Station, Rogan's brands)
• Build and manage the legal function with appropriate use of outside counsel and technology

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing
• 10+ years of legal experience with significant time in‑house at a publicly traded company or advising public company clients
• Demonstrated M&A transaction experience including deal negotiation, due diligence, and post‑acquisition integration
• Deep familiarity with SEC reporting requirements and corporate governance best practices
• Experience with retail, consumer goods, or multi‑location businesses preferred
• Track record of building productive relationships with executives, boards, and external stakeholders

• Critical Thinking: You analyze problems rigorously, question assumptions, and synthesize complex information into clear recommendations. You distinguish between legal risk and business risk.
• Business Partnership: You understand that your job is to enable the business, not just protect it. You anticipate needs, understand commercial objectives, and frame legal advice in business terms.
• Ownership Mentality: You take responsibility for outcomes, not just activities. When you see a gap, you fill it—whether it’s ‘your job’ or not.
• Adaptability: You thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities shift. You can move seamlessly from Board presentations to contract negotiations to employment disputes.
• Resourcefulness: You solve problems with what’s available rather than waiting for ideal conditions. You know when to handle matters internally and when to leverage outside counsel effectively.
• Proactive Communication: You surface issues early, keep stakeholders informed, and translate legal complexity into actionable guidance without being asked.
• Self‑Direction: You set your own priorities, identify what needs doing, and execute without close supervision. You’re comfortable being the only lawyer in the room.

• Competitive Pay
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick Time)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, Disability, and Voluntary Benefits
• Fitness Membership Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee & Family Discounts

Executive

Full‑time

Legal and Strategy/Planning | Retail