Legal Counsel

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Legal Counsel to join our executive leadership team as a trusted advisor and key decision-maker. This senior role is pivotal in shaping the legal and regulatory framework of our organization, ensuring all business operations are conducted in full compliance with Saudi Arabian laws and international standards. Reporting directly to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors, the Legal Counsel will provide expert legal guidance across corporate governance, commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Ideal candidates will possess a robust background in corporate law with a strong preference for professionals with experience in the sports, venues, or entertainment sectors. The ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, coupled with exceptional leadership and strategic thinking, will be essential to drive the company’s growth while mitigating legal risks.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Corporate Governance

• Act as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all legal, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Lead the legal aspects of the company’s incorporation, including regulatory filings, government registrations, and compliance with Saudi corporate law.
• Develop and implement robust corporate governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with Board procedures and joint venture obligations.
• Establish and maintain a Delegation of Authority (DOA) framework, monitoring reserved matters to safeguard the company’s interests.
• Oversee the company’s legal structure and ensure adherence to evolving Saudi corporate regulations.

Contracts & Commercial Legal Support

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a diverse portfolio of commercial contracts, including venue operation agreements, maintenance contracts, service-level agreements, event hosting agreements, licensing arrangements, and supplier contracts.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates and playbooks to streamline legal processes and ensure consistency.
• Create and maintain contract trackers and a centralized contract repository to enhance visibility and compliance.
• Provide strategic legal counsel on partnerships, joint ventures, and shareholder arrangements, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Advise on legal considerations pertaining to technology, intellectual property, and data protection, safeguarding the company’s assets and innovations.
• Manage the legal aspects of Shared Services Agreements, ensuring seamless integration of back-office functions such as HR, Finance, and Procurement.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Saudi laws and regulations, including labor law, commercial law, data protection, and sector-specific requirements.
• Monitor legislative changes and proactively advise the business on implications and necessary actions to maintain compliance.
• Serve as the liaison with regulatory authorities, government bodies, and external legal counsel to address compliance-related inquiries and audits.

Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across all business functions to protect the company’s interests.
• Lead the resolution of disputes, claims, and litigation matters, collaborating with external legal counsel as needed.
• Oversee insurance arrangements and implement risk mitigation strategies from a legal perspective to minimize exposure.

HR & Employment Law

• Provide expert guidance on employment contracts, HR policies, labor law compliance, and disciplinary matters to ensure adherence to Saudi labor regulations.
• Support the HR function in navigating Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements and workforce planning from a legal standpoint.

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive GRC framework, policies, and procedures to foster a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
• Lead anti-corruption, ethics, and compliance programs across the organization to mitigate reputational and operational risks.
• Build governance capabilities across the organization to ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory expectations.

Leadership & Innovation

• Strengthen the legal capability of the organization by leveraging external legal advisers and fostering internal talent development.
• Establish scalable legal processes and governance structures to support the company’s growth trajectory.
• Champion the adoption of AI and other technologies to drive efficiencies in legal operations and enhance service delivery.

Wider Business Contribution

• As a key member of a lean and dynamic executive team, contribute to broader company priorities beyond the Legal Counsel’s core responsibilities, with approximately 10-20% of the role dedicated to cross-functional initiatives based on organizational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Saudi National (strongly preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior legal advisory or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabian laws and regulations, with a strong understanding of corporate governance, commercial law, and labor regulations.
• Proven track record in contract management, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance within the sports, venues, or entertainment sectors is highly advantageous.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable business strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing GRC frameworks and compliance programs.
• Familiarity with digital transformation and the application of AI in legal processes is a plus.