Legal Counsel

CKG Search has been instructed by one of Australasia's most established franchise groups, a proudly family-founded business with a portfolio of well-recognised consumer brands, operations around the globe, and a culture grounded in genuine values and long-term thinking.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the General Counsel as part of a team of 7 , this role sits at the centre of the business's legal function. The Legal Counsel will take primary responsibility for franchisee performance and compliance matters, including dispute resolution, default management, and termination, while also contributing to core franchise documentation and processes, and providing commercially focused support across a broad range of legal areas. This is a role for a lawyer who wants to be genuinely embedded in the business, not operating at arm's length from it.

On Offer

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Direct reporting line to the General Counsel, with consistent exposure to senior leadership and operational decision-making.
• A direct report and genuine scope to mentor, within a small team where every contribution is visible.
• North Sydney headquarters with a structured hybrid model (currently Tuesday to Thursday in-office) and easy public transport access.

While the role is offered on a full-time, hybrid basis, our client is open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including a 4-day work week or a part time option, and reasonable adjustments to support your success.

Responsibilities

• Lead on franchisee performance matters including compliance issues, default notices, remediation, and termination processes.
• Manage dispute resolution end-to-end, including direct franchisee negotiations and formal proceedings where required.
• Advise on compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct and applicable regulatory obligations across the network.
• Support on core franchise documents processes including franchise agreements, disclosure documents, and business sale agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements including supplier contracts, service agreements, and retail leasing documentation.
• Advise across privacy, consumer protection, and retail regulatory matters, translating legal complexity into practical guidance.
• Act as a trusted business partner to the business.
• Support and mentor junior team members and contribute to continuous improvement of legal processes.

Requirements

• Law degree and an Australian Practising Certificate (or eligibility).
• 3 to 8 years' PQE with experience in franchising; candidates with a strong regulatory background and genuine retail, hospitality, or FMCG exposure are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous in-house experience preferred; relevant secondment experience considered.
• Sound drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills across commercial and regulatory matters.
• Familiarity with franchising, consumer protection, privacy, and retail regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in retail leasing is advantageous.
• Commercial, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to engage directly with the business.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities and exercising sound judgement with autonomy.

If you're unsure whether your experience meets these requirements, but believe you offer relevant, comparable or transferable experience, please reach out to explore your suitability.

Ideal for a commercial in-house lawyer with franchising expertise, or a strong commercial and regulatory background, seeking a substantive, high-visibility role within a values-driven, multi-brand consumer business.

This is the kind of role where your advice shapes real outcomes, for a business with the scale to keep you challenged and the culture to make the work genuinely rewarding. If you are ready to step into a role with depth, variety, and genuine flexibility, we would like to hear from you.

For more information about this opportunity and to discuss your next move, contact:

Phillip Hunter | +61 449 727 016 | ***email_hidden*** ♞ Reference: 6169

At CKG Search, we specialise in legal and governance recruitment, taking a consultative approach and leveraging deep expertise and extensive networks to connect talent with opportunity, shape careers, and strengthen organisations.

To connect with our team, explore opportunities, or access market insights and tailored salary advice, visit ckgsearch.com or call +61 2 9258 1300.

Only candidates who meet the core requirements or demonstrate closely aligned, equivalent experience will be contacted.