Job Description
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Broad commercial role - 14 month contract
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Leading national hospitality franchisor
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Flexible hybrid working
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Lead franchising, commercial and property matters in a broad in-house role with a market-leading national business.
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Join one of Australia's most successful and recognised franchise businesses in a pivotal in-house legal role. Our client is the market leader in its sector, operating a substantial franchised network across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, and forms part of a global hospitality group with an extensive international footprint.
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Reporting to the General Counsel, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer to become a trusted adviser to senior leadership while supporting the continued growth of a sophisticated, highly regarded business.
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The Role
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This is a maternity cover 14 month contract role. It is a broad and autonomous role combines franchising, commercial and property law, with exposure to strategic business initiatives and high-value transactions. You will partner closely with senior executives across Franchising, Procurement, Brand & ESG, and Sales & Distribution, delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice. Your responsibilities will include:
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Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, renewals and associated documentation, including disclosure documents and information memoranda.
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Preparing and negotiating business sale agreements for franchise acquisitions and resales.
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Advising on compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct and providing strategic advice on franchise-related matters.
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Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial leases, lease renewals and lease variations across a national franchise network.
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Advising franchisees and internal stakeholders on leasing and property issues.
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Reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including procurement, marketing, sales and distribution contracts.
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Managing the organisation's intellectual property portfolio.
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Developing legal processes, templates and best practice documentation to support business efficiency and effective risk management.
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About You
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You will be a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys building relationships and providing practical legal solutions within a dynamic business environment. Ideally you will have:
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At least 5 years' post-admission experience gained in a reputable law firm and/or established in-house legal team.
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Strong experience drafting and negotiating franchise agreements and commercial contracts.
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Experience advising on commercial leasing and property transactions.
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Working knowledge of the Franchising Code of Conduct.
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Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
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A collaborative, proactive and pragmatic approach to legal practice.
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Robust organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
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Experience advising franchise, retail, hospitality or other multi-site businesses will be highly regarded.
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The Benefits
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected in-house legal function within a successful, growing organisation offering:
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High-quality commercial, franchising and property work.
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A genuine business partnering role with significant autonomy.
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Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
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A collaborative and supportive culture.
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Flexible hybrid working (three days per week in the office).
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Competitive remuneration and long-term career opportunities within a leading national business.
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This role offers the chance to work on varied, high-value matters while making a genuine contribution to the ongoing success of a market-leading organisation.
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📌 Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial, Franchising & Property (Victoria)
🏢 Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment
📍 Victoria