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