Legal Counsel DACH Region – UK or Germany based

Job description

Description

Who we are

IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, promising to provide True Hospitality for everyone; making you feel welcome and cared for, recognised and respected, wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re looking for affordability or luxury, we can cater for you.

 

With over 5,500 hotels over the globe and an ever-growing pipeline, our portfolio of brands is constantly changing, as seen with the recent acquisition of the luxury hotel chain, Six Senses.

 

Join us and not only can you benefit from the world of variety and opportunity, you can also look forward to being part of a company that will appreciate you for simply being you.

Your day to day

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative legal team working for one of the world’s leading hospitality company! You can either be based in our Global head office in Denham, Buckinghamshire (UK) OR our office in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

IHG has recently undergone a global corporate transformation and this role has been created to help drive growth in the DACH region, in particular (but not exclusively) Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH)., supporting the aims of BRR to champion and protect the trusted reputation of IHG and its brands.

 

The incumbent will process new hotel applications to support the company’s system size and net new hotel signing targets by preparing effective and enforceable franchise and ancillary agreements and other agreements as required throughout the franchise life-cycle.

 

You will provide support to the Development Design & Openings team, Investment Analysis team, Operations team, and other stakeholders who rely upon IHG’s legal department in Europe.

 

This role can either be based in our Global head office in Denham, Buckinghamshire (UK) OR our office in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

·  Prepares first draft heads of terms, letters of intent, memorandums of understanding, franchise agreements; all other ancillary agreements.
·  Drafts “side letters” and variations to franchise and other agreements.
·  Carries out owner “due diligence” on all new applications (both managed and franchised hotels).
·  Prepares hotel project approval presentation “papers” as appropriate.
·  “Maps” new projects and areas of territorial protection/exclusivity using mapping software
·  Issues project “impact” & “courtesy” letters.
·  Initiates project fee invoice requests as applicable.
·  European managed hotel estate; provides support to the Operations and Finance teams.
·  Records key project information and milestones in IHG’s various hotel databases and systems.
·  Supports the hotel opening and closing processes in appropriate databases and systems.
·  Supports the debt recovery process for terminated or cancelled hotel projects.
·  Provides information and ad-hoc reporting to the business and line manager as required.
·  Travel and meeting with the DACH developers as necessary.
What we are looking for

Although previous franchise experience is desirable, we are looking for a junior lawyer who enjoys autonomy and responsibility.

Experience:

·  German language (first language/mother tongue).
·  Fluent written and spoken English language.
·  Previous experience of contract drafting, and drafting is necessary from any legal discipline.
·  You will be driven, ready to engage with your internal and external stakeholders.
·  You should have a keen interest in the hospitality sector.
·  Excellent administrative skills and a proven eye for detail.
·  Good verbal and written communication skills.
·  Excellent IT skills.
·  Ability to work under pressure and to tight timelines.
·  Enthusiastic and willing to work as part of a collaborative team.
What we offer

We like to believe we offer a unique culture, where there’s inclusivity yet room to be yourself. When hard work pays off, it’s positive to know you’re appreciated.

 

Alongside our great working environment, we’ll offer you a strong package firstly including an industry competitive salary, an annual bonus, healthcare, worldwide hotel discounts and a subsidised restaurant and café.

 

Full training will be provided on the standard form agreements and documents which will be primarily used in the role and there will be regular, scheduled legal training as well as commercial training on the hotels sector.

 

The legal team in Denham have regular catch-ups with IHG’s legal team based around the world (including Dubai, Moscow and Singapore) where there is a huge sense of unity, team-work and collaboration.

 

As an equal opportunity employer, IHG is committed to providing a working culture that values diversity and inclusion and is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a barrier-free recruitment process.

 

Closing date for applications is Monday 11th November 2019.