Associate GM/GM-Legal

The GM- Legal will deliver strategic, high-quality legal expertise while advising the Property, Retail & Hospitality Businesses , Banking and Treasury services , manage legal risks related to territory operations , and act as a trusted legal partner to the Central HR function on employment-related matters.

This in-house position requires expertise in leasing, banking regulations, employment law, and complex commercial transactions, ensuring robust legal risk management and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to work across diverse jurisdictions, businesses and functions.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Leasing
• Managing High-Value high-exposure litigation across GCC. This would entail, among others, strategizing, drafting, vetting and finalization of pleadings as well as briefing of external counsels, and keeping track of matters.
• Work closely with the property and concept finance teams of the Company to collate relevant information and documents, strategize, draft, vet and finalize the leasing contracts etc. for the desired results.
• Provide support in contracting and renewal of commercial leases for the Group.

• Banking & Financial Services:
• Advise on legal and regulatory frameworks for banking and financial services.
• Draft, negotiate, and review a wide range of banking and financial agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and bank policies.
• Draft and review financing arrangements, credit facility documentation, and letters of credit.

• Business, Territorial & Regulatory Partnering & Support:
• Provide legal support across multiple jurisdictions (Middle East, Southeast Asia, etc.), partnering with key businesses and ensuring compliance with local corporate, commercial, and regulatory laws.
• Oversee localization and delivery of legal compliance programs in select operating territories, coordinating with local counsel as required.

• HR Partnering:
• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the HR function, supporting senior HR leaders on the full spectrum of employment law, such as contracts, disciplinary actions, termination, and employee relations.
• Support the organization in navigating employment-related risks and ensuring compliance with labor regulations in various territories.
• Manage sensitive HR and employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, and employment litigation, partnering with HRBP leadership as needed.

• Contracting & Commercial:
• Review, draft, and negotiate commercial contracts with vendors, consultants, and partners, with a focus on banking technology, procurement, and outsourcing.

• Governance & Risk:
• Advise on corporate governance and risk management matters, supporting executive leadership in managing legal risks.
• Contribute to the development and training of internal regulatory and compliance frameworks; escalate and address major legal risks.
• Promote legal risk awareness and deliver training to internal stakeholders.

• Compliance Management
• Support the design and implementation of the company’s compliance framework across key areas (e.g., anti-bribery, sanctions, AML, data privacy).
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations and ensure timely updates to policies and practices.
• Lead internal compliance awareness programs and training initiatives.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Law; qualified solicitor or barrister in a common law or relevant jurisdiction.
• 15–18 years of post-qualification legal experience, including exposure to compliance and regulatory matters.
• Significant experience advising on leasing, banking regulations, cross-border legal issues, and employment law.
• Proven track record in partnering with HR and supporting HR strategies in large, complex organizations.
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., FCPA, GDPR, AML, sanctions).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholders, lead contract negotiations, and drive initiatives across territories.