VP, Assistant General Counsel, Corporate, Franchising, and Development

Job Summary:

The Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Corporate,  Franchising & Development is responsible for overseeing legal matters related to corporate, franchising and development. This role provides strategic legal counsel on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, corporate finance, debt and equity transactions, and franchise-related compliance, regulations, and franchise and company development initiatives. The role ensures that all franchise documentation, execution procedures, transfers, and renewals align with applicable laws and regulations; and plays a key role in supporting the company’s business growth by overseeing the legal aspects of development projects, including contract drafting and negotiation, and regulatory oversight and compliance. Additionally, the role serves as a key legal and compliance advisor, supporting company policies and initiatives that impact corporate, franchise and development laws. The VP also acts as the Assistant Company Secretary, providing legal oversight on corporate governance matters. 

This position offers a dynamic opportunity to shape corporate and franchise legal strategies while working closely with executive leadership.

Location: Newton, MA/Hybrid

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Counsel:

• Partner with Chief Legal Officer to provide business-oriented legal solutions and risk assessments, including decision-making related to corporate, franchise and development growth; and
• Lead legal team and external counsel in executing corporate, franchise and development legal strategies.

Corporate Transactions:

• Provide legal counsel on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions;
• Advise on corporate finance matters, including debt and equity transactions;
• Ensure compliance with securities laws and corporate governance requirements;
• Draft, review, and negotiate corporate agreements and transactional documents; and
• Handle disputes related to corporate transactions or securities/corporate governance related regulatory matters and work with external counsel to oversee dispute resolution.

Franchising:

Oversee legal aspects of franchise development, compliance, and regulatory requirements, including:

• Advise on franchise system development, including agreements, franchise execution procedures, and franchisee relations;
• Provide legal support for franchise expansion, and brand rollout initiatives;
• Oversee the preparation, registration and maintenance of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and related filings;
• Ensure compliance with all franchise regulations, including Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule and state disclosure requirements;
• Manage franchise issuance processes, including new franchise sales, company sales, transfers, and renewals/extensions;
• Develop and implement franchise policies, procedures, and best practices for franchise operations;
• Ensure franchise execution procedures align with applicable laws and company policies; and
• Handle disputes related to franchising or franchising related regulatory matters and work with external counsel to oversee dispute resolution.

Development:

• Draft, review, and negotiate development agreements including leases, vendor contracts, land acquisition deals, construction contracts, subordination and non-disturbance contracts and related documents;
• Ensure contracts align with company objectives and minimize legal risks;
• Ensure development projects comply with local, state and federal regulations;
• Advise on zoning laws, land use policies, and environmental compliance;
• Develop policies to ensure legal and ethical compliance in development operations;
• Identify potential legal risks in development projects and propose mitigation strategies; and
• Handle disputes related to development contracts or development related regulatory matters, including ADA facilities claims and work with external counsel to oversee dispute resolution.

Legal & Compliance Advisory:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on corporate, franchise and development law;
• Provide strategic legal advice on company policies, compliance programs, and risk mitigation strategies related to corporate, franchising and development matters.
• Monitor changes in corporate, franchise and development legal requirements that could impact business operations and advise on necessary adjustments;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, senior leadership, finance, compliance and operations teams, to align legal strategy with business objectives; and
• Train internal teams on relevant laws, contract terms, and risk mitigation.

Assistant Company Secretary Duties:

• Support corporate governance initiatives and board of directors’ matters;
• Assist in drafting and reviewing board resolutions, meeting minutes, and governance documents; and
• Ensure compliance with corporate bylaws and legal reporting requirements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with strong background in franchise laws, corporate governance, M&A, corporate finance and regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising senior leadership and working cross-functionally in a corporate setting.
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of corporate and franchise legal frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters and provide strategic guidance.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans