Senior Legal Counsel

About the job:

FIX Dessert Chocolatier is seeking an experienced Senior 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).

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.

Experience

Bachelor's degree in Law; Master's degree

Background in both a top international/regional law firm and an in-house role (FMCG, retail, F&B, hospitality, manufacturing, consumer goods).

Strong experience in commercial contracts (procurement, supply chain, distribution, franchising).

Exposure to corporate governance, compliance, regulatory matters, and risk management.

Must be based in the UAE.

Common law qualification or strong UAE/GCC experience.

Skills

Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Strong business judgment and practical, solutions-focused mindset.

Able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform under pressure.

Detail-oriented with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills

What We Offer:

Opportunity to work alongside a dynamic Co-Founders in an innovative and entrepreneurialenvironment.

A chance to contribute to the strategic direction and growth of the company.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

A collaborative culture that values creativity, learning, and making an impact.

Interested candidates may send their application to: [Confidential Information]