Description:
FIX Dessert Chocolatier is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide strategic and operational legal support across its rapidly expanding retail, manufacturing, and distribution operations. The role will support the business on a wide range of commercial, corporate, regulatory, and operational matters, ensuring the company’s growth is aligned with legal compliance, strong governance, and effective risk management.
The position offers hands-on exposure to multi-jurisdictional transactions, commercial agreements, franchising, supply chain matters, and corporate structuring within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Corporate Advisory
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including supplier contracts, distribution agreements, franchise arrangements, licensing contracts, NDAs, service-level agreements, procurement contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Provide legal advice to management on corporate matters, governance, business risks, and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal stakeholders across retail, manufacturing, marketing, operations, HR, and finance with day-to-day commercial queries.
- Assist in corporate structuring, new entity setup, expansions, and international market entry (including franchising or joint ventures).
Intellectual Property (IP)
- Manage and protect the company’s trademarks, copyrights, patents, and designs across international markets.
- Oversee IP registrations, renewals, and portfolio management globally.
- Draft and negotiate IP licensing agreements, joint development agreements, and technology transfer contracts.
- Advise on IP enforcement, infringement disputes, and cross-border litigation matters.
- Support global expansion initiatives with respect to real estate, lease agreements, and property acquisitions in international jurisdictions.
- Ensure compliance with international property, IP, and brand protection regulations in all operating markets.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UAE and GCC food regulations, retail standards, labeling laws, consumer protection regulations, and trade compliance.
- Liaise with government authorities and external advisors on licensing, permits, commercial registrations, and regulatory approvals.
- Enhance internal policies, contract templates, and SOP frameworks to improve legal efficiency and compliance across departments.
Disputes, Investigations & External Counsel
- Manage disputes and external counsel on court or arbitration cases.
- Handle settlement negotiations, respond to legal notices, and provide strategies to mitigate potential disputes.
- Monitor compliance risks and recommend preventive and corrective actions.
Risk Management & Strategic Support
- Identify operational and contractual risks, providing mitigation strategies and practical legal solutions.
- Support the leadership team on strategic initiatives, including franchising, new projects, capital investments, and commercial negotiations.
- Contribute to policy development, corporate governance, and internal process improvements.
- policy development, corporate governance, and internal process improvements.
Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in commercial contracts and negotiations, including supplier, distribution, and marketing agreements
- 5+ years’ experience in intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, brand protection, and enforcement
- 5+ years’ experience providing legal advisory and regulatory compliance support, ideally in a consumer-facing or UAE-based business
- Qualified lawyer admitted to a UK or US State Bar is preferrable with UAE experience