Corporate Counsel

POSITION SCOPE The General Counsel position is a senior leadership roleresponsible for overseeing all legal matters within the US market. Thisposition requires a deep understanding of US law, regulatory requirements, andthe intricacies of legal matters across multiple states. This role will providestrategic legal counsel, manage compliance efforts, and ensure that theorganization's business activities are conducted in strict adherence torelevant laws and regulations.

The role reports to the Chief Executive Officerand will be based at the company's head office in Irving, Texas. RESPONSIBILITIESINCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: RegulatoryCompliance: Stay up to datewith regulations, laws and standards affecting the restaurant industry. Develop andenforce policies and procedures to ensure full compliance across all corporateoperations.

ContractManagement: Draft, review,and negotiate a variety of contracts, including franchise agreements,management contracts, supplier contracts, lease agreements, and more. Collaboratewith external legal counsel to address complex legal matters requiring specializedexpertise as and when required. LitigationManagement: Manage legaldisputes, claims, or litigation involving operations, and third-party partners.

Work closelywith external counsel when required to devise litigation strategies, negotiatesettlements, and represent the organization in legal proceedings. IntellectualProperty and Brand Protection: Safeguard thegroup's intellectual property rights and branding. Address potential infringements and oversee the enforcement of intellectual propertyrights when necessary.

Employment andLabor Matters: Provide legalsupport on employment law matters, including contracts, workplace policies, andcompliance with employment regulations. Advise onemployee relations, terminations, and other HR-related legal issues. Risk Mitigationand Training: Identifypotential legal risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them inaccordance with US laws.

Conduct training sessions for employees, and management, to promote legal awareness andadherence. EXPERIENCE + EDUCATION Minimum of 5+ years of progressively responsibleexperience. A Juris Doctor Degree and relevant work experiencein a similar multi-unit capacity.

Comprehensiveunderstanding of US laws, regulations, and industry-specific legal standardsapplicable to restaurants. Demonstratedexperience in providing strategic legal guidance to executive leadership anddriving legal initiatives aligned with business goals. Strong abilityto analyze complex legal issues, anticipate potential challenges, and formulateproactive solutions.

Ability todraft, review, and negotiate agreements in compliance with local regulations. Proven trackrecord of successfully navigating franchise expansion and management. Exceptionalcontract drafting, negotiation, and review skills, with the ability to ensurelegal protection while maintaining favorable business terms.

Experience inmanaging legal disputes, litigation, and alternative dispute resolutionprocesses. Ability tocollaborate effectively with external legal counsel and represent the organization'sinterests in legal proceedings. Proficiency inprotecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, including trademarks andcopyrights.

Ability tohandle IP-related disputes and coordinate with relevant stakeholders. Thoroughunderstanding of compliance requirements, including employment law, health andsafety regulations, data protection, and more. Proven abilityto develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.

Excellentinterpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective interaction withcross-functional teams, senior leadership, and external partners. Ability tocommunicate complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Stronganalytical skills to identify legal risks, assess their potential impact, anddevise strategies to mitigate them.

Proven abilityto find practical and legally sound solutions to complex challenges. High level ofethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions anddecision-making. Understandingof the restaurant industry's dynamics, competitive landscape, and the abilityto align legal strategies with business objectives.