International Franchising & Transactions Attorney
Taco Bell HQ - Irvine, CA
posted 2 days ago
About the position
Taco Bell is looking to hire an experienced attorney as International Franchising & Transactions Counsel. This position is accountable for providing strategic, business-focused legal support in the areas of franchising and strategic investments for our markets outside of the United States, including in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It involves working closely with our development, finance, tax, accounting, operations, and other functions at the RSC as well as with regional business units in Asia and the UK. This attorney is responsible for drafting documents, reviewing, advising, and resolving myriad issues relating to franchise relations and strategic international investment opportunities with franchise partners. This will also involve support for setting up and managing issues related to company-owned restaurants in international markets.
Responsibilities
- Drafting and negotiating agreements with new and existing franchisees, including international franchise agreements, shareholder guarantees, international concessions contracts, incentive agreements, development agreements, and other franchise-related documentation.
- Providing advice and counsel on franchise matters, including compliance with local laws; resolving franchisee concerns and issues while managing and balancing risk with business needs; revising and communicating franchise policies in coordination with business partners; legal support and enforcement of brand standards; managing risk in franchisee transfers and financial and business restructures, development-related issues, and other company-franchisee relations issues.
- Legal support for strategic investments in franchisee organizations with other strategic M&A efforts, including by drafting and reviewing related legal documents to effectuate investments and rights, providing strategic viewpoint on legal risk and proposed resolutions, soliciting business input and obtaining alignment, and managing projects to completion.
- Legal support for company-owned restaurants and legal issues related to direct ownership of restaurants (except employment). Supporting acquisitions or sales for company restaurants, including real estate and lease matters.
- Other legal tasks as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel for International, consistent with dynamic and growing international business.
- Management and retention (as authorized) for local counsel to assist in the above tasks.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent required.
- Licensed member in good standing of a State Bar, with strong preference for admission to the California State Bar.
- 3-6 years of legal experience with complex contracts, deals, and negotiations. Franchise experience preferred. Litigation experience, particularly international experience (arbitration or other litigation), is a plus.
- International experience and/or experience in restaurant industry preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with all levels of the organization including management, peers, and customers.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities to completion.
- Strong problem solving skills with an analytical and business savvy approach.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in international franchising and transactions.
- Familiarity with restaurant industry regulations and compliance.
Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
- Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
- Onsite dining center and game room
- Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash
- Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
- Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
- Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
- 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
- Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
- Discounts, free food, swag and more.
