Al Futtaim Group is one of the most diversified and respected family business groups in the Middle East, with a rich history spanning over 90 years. Operating across 18 countries and employing more than 33,000 colleagues from over 100 nationalities, the group’s portfolio spans Automotive, Retail, Real Estate, Health, Finance, and Education. Guided by core principles of Respect, Excellence, Collaboration, and Integrity, Al Futtaim is committed to enriching lives and leading innovation across the region. This role sits within the Group Legal department, providing strategic legal support to the organization’s dynamic and expanding operations in Saudi Arabia.
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Job Title: Legal Counsel at Al Futtaim Group (Saudi Arabia)
Full Time
📍 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Company: Al Futtaim Group
Apply nowPosition Overview: Legal Counsel | Group Legal | Corporate Services
Al Futtaim Group is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Counsel to join its Group Legal team, providing comprehensive legal support to business units in Saudi Arabia. This is a critical role for a legal professional with 5-8 years of experience, ideally with an in-house background. You will act as a trusted advisor, managing a diverse portfolio of legal matters including litigation, commercial contracts, intellectual property, franchising, real estate, and corporate governance. The successful candidate will not only protect the organization from legal risk but will also provide pragmatic, business-oriented solutions that drive growth and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be entrusted with the following core legal duties across multiple domains:
Litigation & Dispute Management:
- Manage and oversee all litigation matters, including labor, commercial, and civil disputes.
- Coordinate with external counsel, review pleadings, attend hearings, and provide strategic advice on risk exposure and settlement strategies.
Commercial Agreements & Day-to-Day Advice:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including service agreements, NDAs, SLAs, consultancy agreements, and MOUs.
- Provide ongoing, practical legal advice to business teams on operational and commercial matters.
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection:
- Manage the company’s trademarks portfolio, including registrations, renewals, and enforcement actions.
- Advise on IP protection, licensing, and brand usage across the group’s diverse portfolio.
Franchise, Agency & Distribution:
- Draft and negotiate franchise, agency, distribution, and licensing agreements specific to the retail and automotive sectors.
- Advise on regulatory implications and support the full lifecycle of franchise relationships.
Leasing & Real Estate:
- Review and negotiate lease agreements, amendments, and renewals for retail and commercial properties.
- Advise on fit-out obligations, penalties, and exit strategies in coordination with real estate teams.
Corporate Governance & Compliance:
- Assist with board resolutions, delegated authorities, and compliance with Saudi corporate and commercial laws.
- Support internal audits and regulatory inquiries.
Candidate Requirements
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) from a recognized institution. |
| Experience | 5-8 years of relevant legal experience, preferably gained in an in-house legal department. |
| Core Expertise | Strong, proven experience in litigation, commercial contracts, leasing, and intellectual property matters. |
| Sector Advantage | Experience in franchising, retail, or hospitality sectors is a significant advantage. |
| Skills | Excellent drafting and negotiation skills. Strong commercial awareness and risk assessment ability. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal Legal Counsel for this role will be:
- A strategic and pragmatic legal advisor who can balance risk management with proactive, business-enabling solutions.
- A skilled negotiator and drafter with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of commercial law.
- A confident stakeholder manager capable of building trust and advising diverse business units effectively.
- Adaptable and resilient, thriving in the complex, multi-sector environment of a major regional conglomerate.
What Al Futtaim Group Offers
- Prestigious Organization: The opportunity to work with one of the most respected and diversified family business groups in the Middle East.
- Strategic Role: A high-impact position providing legal counsel across a vast and dynamic portfolio of industries.
- Professional Growth: Significant opportunities for career development within a global organization that values its people.
- Collaborative Culture: A workplace founded on principles of respect, integrity, and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this role based in Riyadh or Dubai?
This position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting Al Futtaim’s growing operations within the Kingdom.
2. What type of legal experience is most critical?
While a broad skill set is required, litigation management, commercial contracts, and leasing experience are listed as core expertise areas. Candidates with strong backgrounds in these areas will be well-positioned.
3. Why is in-house experience preferred?
In-house lawyers develop a unique ability to balance legal risk with commercial pragmatism and business strategy. They are adept at providing solutions that align with the company’s goals, not just identifying problems.
4. What sectors will I be supporting?
Al Futtaim’s portfolio is vast, but the role highlights franchising, retail, and hospitality as advantageous sectors. You will likely support business units across automotive, retail, and real estate, among others.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Legal Counsel with a strong background in commercial law, litigation, and in-house practice, looking to make a significant impact within a leading regional group, Al Futtaim Group encourages you to apply.
Submit your application via the official listing:
👉 Apply for Legal Counsel Position