Counsel, Franchise

What You’ll Be Serving Up:

As Legal Counsel, Franchising, you will be the strategic legal lead for KFC US’s franchise network, overseeing legal matters related to franchise transactions, compliance, and portfolio management. You will supervise a team of paralegals and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure legal integrity, operational alignment, and business growth. While your primary focus will be franchising, you will also provide limited support on real estate and M&A matters. 

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

Franchise Legal Strategy & Compliance

• Lead legal review and decision-making for franchisee-to-franchisee transactions and ownership changes.
• Ensure KFC US’ regulatory compliance with disclosure laws by preparing and managing KFC US’s annual Franchise Disclosure Document for traditional and non-traditional franchise offerings, suggesting modifications as needed based on evolving business needs.
• Guide the development and execution of franchise renewal strategies, ensuring alignment with business goals and legal standards.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks across the franchise portfolio in collaboration with Finance, Development, and Operations partners. 
• Provide legal interpretation and strategic recommendations on franchise agreement provisions, brand standards, and incentive programs.
• Partner with Finance, Development, and Operations to align legal strategy with business goals.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and mentor a team of paralegals, ensuring cross-training and consistent execution across franchise legal functions.
• Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in legal processes and documentation standards.

Real Estate and Transactional Support

• Support real estate and restaurant development goals by drafting, negotiating, and analyzing letters of intent, ground leases, real estate purchase contracts, and other related agreements.
• Support KFC’s equity growth strategy and ensure seamless execution of M&A transactions by providing end-to-end legal support, including deal structure advice, preparation and negotiation of letters of intent and definitive agreements, due diligence support, and closing support.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in the State Bar of any U.S. state.
• Experience:
  • At least 4 years of experience in an in-house legal department or top-tier law firm. 
  • Expertise in franchise or corporate law.
• Skills:
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire direct reports to achieve company objectives.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively and professionally to senior leaders.
  • Strong legal research and analytical skills; must be able to interpret applicable law and form action-able recommendations for cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Exceptional project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Steadfast ability to act as the key person-to-contact in interactions with downstream stakeholders, including franchisees and customers.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environment with changing priorities and evolving legal issues.
• Mindset:
  • Relentless in the pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards.
  • Resourceful and adaptive in ambiguous situations with a proven ability to operate “in the grey.”
  • Resilient in the face of obstacles and persistent in driving towards results.
  • Thrive in a collaborative environment and excel at inspiring and developing team members.
  • Motivated to be part of a new and growing legal team.

What’s In It for You:

• Be at the forefront of strategic legal initiatives, contributing to KFC’s growth and transformation.
• Collaborate with high-performing teams across Yum! and external partners.
• Opportunities to grow expertise in franchising, real estate, and corporate transactions.