Legal Counsel

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Legal Counsel to join our executive leadership team as a senior executive responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of our business operations. This pivotal role will serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors, ensuring that the company operates in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and internationally. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in corporate legal advisory, contract management, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and governance, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in the sports, venues, or entertainment sectors.

Key Responsibilities

The Legal Counsel will play a critical role in shaping the legal and operational framework of the company. The responsibilities of this position include:

• Legal Advisory & Corporate Governance:
  • Act as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all legal and regulatory matters.
  • Provide guidance on the incorporation and establishment of the company as a legal entity, including regulatory filings and government registrations.
  • Advise on corporate governance frameworks, Board procedures, and joint venture obligations to ensure alignment with best practices.
  • Establish and maintain the Delegation of Authority (DOA) framework, monitoring reserved matters to safeguard the company’s interests.
  • Oversee the company’s legal structure and ensure compliance with Saudi corporate law and international regulations.
• Contracts & Commercial Legal Support:
  • Draft, review, negotiate, and manage all 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.
  • Create and maintain contract trackers and a centralized contract repository for efficient contract management.
  • Lead legal aspects of partnerships, joint ventures, and shareholder arrangements, ensuring robust risk mitigation.
  • Provide legal counsel on technology, intellectual property, and data protection matters relevant to the company’s operations.
  • Manage the legal aspects of Shared Services Agreements, including HR, Finance, and Procurement support functions.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure full compliance with Saudi laws and regulations, including labor law, commercial law, data protection, and sector-specific regulations.
  • Monitor legislative changes and advise the business on implications and required actions to maintain compliance.
  • Liaise with regulatory authorities, government bodies, and external legal counsel to address compliance-related matters.
• Risk Management & Dispute Resolution:
  • Identify and manage legal risks across all areas of the business 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.
• HR & Employment Law:
  • Advise on employment contracts, HR policies, labor law compliance, and disciplinary matters to ensure adherence to local regulations.
  • Support the HR function on Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements and workforce planning from a legal standpoint.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC):
  • Develop and implement the company’s GRC framework, policies, and procedures to foster a culture of compliance.
  • 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 regulatory and industry standards.
• Leadership & Strategic Growth:
  • Develop the legal capability of the organization by leveraging external legal advisers and fostering internal talent.
  • Establish scalable legal processes and governance structures to support the company’s growth trajectory.
  • Leverage 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 agile executive team, contribute to broader company priorities beyond the Legal Counsel’s defined functional responsibilities.
  • Allocate approximately 10-20% of the role to support wider business initiatives, depending on the company’s evolving priorities and developmental stage.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and possess relevant 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.
• Proven expertise in corporate law, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and governance within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Experience in the sports, venues, or entertainment sector is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Saudi labor law, commercial regulations, and data protection laws.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing GRC frameworks and compliance programs.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and AI to enhance legal operations and efficiency.