Senior Counsel

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Legal Counsel, Franchise supports the company’s lead legal support on franchise matters worldwide. This full-time position reports to the Assistant General Counsel, Franchise. Subject to business needs week-to-week, the position is hybrid and the candidate should expect to attend the Uxbridge office.

BUSINESS IMPACT:

Support the company’s financial success by providing pragmatic, business focused and risk-based legal counsel and guidance on a wide-array of commercial matters involving the company’s global franchise systems.

JOB CONTRIBUTIONS- WHAT WILL YOU DO:

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as a trusted partner to the Global Franchise Operations team by providing risk-based legal counsel and guidance on franchise matters.
• Structure, draft, review, and negotiate franchise agreements, license agreements, confidentiality and non-compete agreements, and other related documentation.
• Assist with the preparation of franchise disclosure documents globally in collaboration with multiple internal and external resources.
• Advise on issues arising under laws applicable to franchising.
• Partner with the Global Franchise Operations team to support global strategic initiatives relating to franchise.
• Mitigate legal and financial contractual risks, ensuring fair, favourable, and consistent terms across agreements.
• Counsel the business on contract interpretation.
• Partner with the Global Franchise Operations team and other centres of excellence to design and implement a risk-based franchise compliance program.
• Support business colleagues in resolving pre-litigation contract disputes.
• Support the development and improvement of contracting processes.
• Deliver business-oriented legal counsel in a timely, positive, collaborative and constructive manner.
• Assist with other matters as needed.
• Be a vocal advocate and champion for Hertz’s culture of adhering to strong ethical standards.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D., LLB or equivalent international degree with strong academic credentials.  
• Required to be admitted as a solicitor and in good standing in England and Wales or admitted to the bar and in good standing in another jurisdiction and eligible for limited licensure of in-house counsel in England and Wales.
• 4-6 years of commercial transactions experience in a law firm or in-house legal department. 
• Direct experience with franchising or licensing models required.
• Strong drafting skills are essential.
• Willingness and ability to accommodate global needs including:
• travel internationally on a limited basis to meet with in-country colleagues and franchisees; and
• occasional meetings to support various time zones. 
• Proficiency in other languages will be beneficial but is not mandatory.

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following characteristics:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills - must be able to effectively explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
• A self-starter - must possess discipline to independently follow up on matters and to work in a fast-paced environment with a high level of autonomy.
• Strong interpersonal skills - must be able to cooperatively work with Hertz’s management, colleagues in the Legal Department, and outside counsel. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be well organized, detail oriented, and able to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate excellent and pragmatic business judgment and an ongoing curiosity about how their work fits into the bigger picture.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to read, write, and fluently speak and understand the English language. 

WHAT WILL YOU GET: 

• Hybrid office model – 3 days minimum in the office with Tuesday & Wednesday being mandatory days
• Bonus
• Company Car or Car Allowance 
• Equity
• Private health care
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (after your 5th anniversary, increases to 28 days, after your 10th anniversary, increases to 30 days)
• Pension: Matched up to 8%
• Eyecare vouchers
• Flexible Working Opportunities
• Work from anywhere Opportunities
• Gift Vouchers for expectant parents
• Death in Service Payment
• Referral scheme
• Long Service Award
• Discounts: IHG Staff Discount, Discounted Gym Memberships, KIA Affinity Hertz Staff Discount, Perks at Work
• 40% off any standard Hertz Rental in a Corporate country
• Employee Assistance Programme for employees and family