Legal Counsel, Luxury, MEAT

Why work for Accor?  

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.  

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS"  

The Legal Counsel Luxury MEA, will provide comprehensive legal support for the Luxury & Lifestyle business units in the (MEA) region. This role involves close collaboration with the legal team and business partners to guide and fulfill their legal needs. As a Legal Counsel, you will cover all aspects of the business, including corporate, operations, procurement, development, and legal administration, working across all luxury division brands in the region.

Main responsibilities:

• Template Development: Create and update development templates for agreements, including Hotel Management, Consultancy Services, Franchise, Brand Licensing and Sales, Master Services, Residential Management, Rental Services, and Residence Owner Services.
• Deal Negotiations: Assist in negotiations with property owners for development deals and draft initial development agreements.
• Operational Agreements: Develop operational template agreements such as marketing, services, procurement, and employment-related agreements.
• Support Business Units: Provide legal support in negotiations, disputes, and risk management for business units.
• Review Agreements: Review template agreements submitted by business units, especially those under EUR 50,000.
• Training and Guidance: Prepare and conduct training sessions, create legal guides, and deliver presentations to assist business units in their day-to-day operations.
• Legal System Management: Manage and update the Agiloft system with new agreements, amendments, and supplemental correspondences. Train business units on its use.
• Corporate Secretarial Support: Support the corporate secretarial function for luxury companies in the region.
• Legal Research and Advice: Conduct legal research and prepare advice/position papers on relevant legal issues across multiple jurisdictions.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures for the MEA region.
• External Counsel Liaison: Liaise with external counsel on assigned legal matters and manage legal expenditures.
• Risk Assessment: Stay up-to-date on legal developments in the MEA region, identify potential legal risks for the company, and provide advice on risk management and HMA interpretations.

Typical Background:

• Common Law qualification (US, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia, etc.)
• 2-6 years of post-qualification experience, preferably within the region
• Background in hospitality, with exposure to core hotel management documents
• Commercial experience, specifically in drafting, negotiating, and resolving contract disputes
• Expertise in Corporate Law, Employment Law, or Procurement
• Proficiency in risk assessment

Competencies:

• Excellent Communication: With a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and patiently with stakeholders across all luxury brands.
• Adaptability and Resilience with flexibility to learn quickly, adapt to changing environments, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Independent and Efficient Work Ethic with ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills and Sound Judgment
• Professionalism and Interpersonal Skills to foster effective working relationships.
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Arabic.
• Cultural Awareness with exposure to and understanding of MEA culture.
• Innovative Mindset: A proactive, positive disruptor mentality that embraces change and proposes legal solutions rather than just identifying risks.

Join our team and leverage your legal expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you have a passion for the hospitality industry and meet the above criteria, we’d love to hear from you!