Real Estate Legal Counsel at Decathlon Philippines
Worldwide
<p>The Real Estate Legal Counsel will be a key driver in securing and protecting Decathlon Philippines' expansion strategy. This role involves end-to-end legal management of our real estate portfolio, including the negotiation of complex lease agreements, legal due diligence, construction-related legalities, and ensuring full compliance with local zoning, permitting, and property regulations.</p><p>The ideal candidate is a proactive legal expert with a proven track record in Philippine real estate law, combining a sharp commercial mindset with a steadfast commitment to ethics and integrity. You will act as a strategic partner to the Expansion Team and a core member of the Compliance Team, ensuring that our store locations—whether in malls or stand-alore sites, are secured under optimal terms that mitigate risk while supporting our mission to move people through the wonders of sport.</p><p><br/></p><h3><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></h3><p>Carry out project legal assessments:</p><ul><li><p>Gather all necessary information and documentation for real estate projects.</p></li><li><p>Identify legal feasibility and assess legal risks for real estate and business development projects.</p></li><li><p>Analyze legal feasibility for green building initiatives and other business development projects.</p></li><li><p>Understand the local vision of projects.</p></li><li><p>Ensure compliance with Decathlon's real estate policy, applicable governances and global legal framework.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><p>Provide legal advice:</p><ul><li><p>Advise stakeholders on legal, regulatory and compliance matters relevant to real estate, developments, acquisitions and disposals; etc.</p></li><li><p>Define and propose the best deal structure.</p></li><li><p>Provide appropriate and efficient solutions to control and mitigate legal risks, including zoning, permit requirements, contract templates, and timing.</p></li><li><p>Draft and regularly update legal documents.</p></li><li><p>Archive legal documents within a reasonable and appropriate timeframe for the project.</p></li><li><p>Complete all the agreement information in the existing and future real estate tools</p></li><li><p>Coordinate and encourage the expansion team to ensure all lease records are updated regularly.</p></li><li><p>Oversee the expansion team's archiving of real estate management and co-ownership files, focusing on quality and completeness</p></li><li><p>Prepare, support, and participate in contract negotiations</p></li><li><p>Oversee all acts and contracts signed until project opening.</p></li><li><p>Keep abreast of legal and regulatory development in the real estate industry across the Philippines.</p></li><li><p>Advise on general corporate commercial matters.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><p>Ensure legal safety:</p><ul><li><p>Implement, train and guide stakeholders on legal procedures, standards, methods and compliance.</p></li><li><p>Prepare LOls, POAs, (framework) contracts and amendments with clauses secured by experts and in compliance with internal decisions, legal and regulatory requirements.</p></li><li><p>Ensure adherence to the company's policies, processes, and framework.</p></li><li><p>Monitor lease agreements deadlines and renewals and alarm and support concerned people to anticipate those deadlines.</p></li><li><p>Ensure the accuracy and continuous updating of all lease renewal documentation.</p></li><li><p>Manage litigation processes related to Real Estate projects with support of external advisors / third party organisations.</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with United Real Estate, Legal counsels and community members, to facilitate the integration of United Real Estate's objectives, tools and process improvements and sharing of best practices.</p></li><li><p>Assist the Legal Counsel and Compliance Team with any ad-hoc matters.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><h3><strong>What we are looking for</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Sporty! At Decathlon, we're looking for someone who is passionate about sport.</p></li><li><p>Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a reputable law school.</p></li><li><p>Admitted to the Philippine Bar and in good standing</p></li><li><p>Minimum of 2-4 years experience in real estate law, property development, or corporate law with a focus on retail expansion. Experience in a major retail/property developer is highly preferred.</p></li><li><p>Deep knowledge of the Philippine Civil Code (Property and Lease) and Focal Government Code.</p></li><li><p>Strong skills in high-stakes contract negotiation, with specialized expertise in complex commercial lease agreements (mall and stand-alone), including rent structures and CAM charges.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><h3><strong>What you’ll need to succeed</strong></h3><p>Behaviours</p><ul><li><p>Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex property documents and regulatory frameworks to identify potential legal hurdles before they impact expansion timelines.</p></li><li><p>Problem-Solving: Finding creative legal and commercial solutions to overcome contract negotiations and zoning or permitting obstacles, ensuring store projects remain on track.</p></li><li><p>Prioritization: Efficiently managing multiple high-stakes lease negotiations and due diligence tasks simultaneously to meet aggressive retail growth targets.</p></li><li><p>Adaptability: Pivoting quickly in response to changing local ordinances or shifting project requirements within a fast-paced retail environment.</p></li><li><p>Persuasive Communication: Articulating complex legal risks and recommendations clearly to both internal stakeholders and external developers to drive consensus and results.</p></li><li><p>Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency, reflecting Decathlon's values.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><p>Technical Skills</p><ul><li><p>Real Estate Law: Deep technical knowledge of the Philippine Civil Code and property-related special laws to ensure all assets are legally sound.</p></li><li><p>Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal and operational liabilities throughout the property acquisition and leasing lifecycle.</p></li><li><p>Project Management: Coordinating complex legal workflows and governance processes across multiple departments to ensure store openings meet strict architectural and commercial timelines.</p></li><li><p>Contract Law: Expertly drafting and interpreting diverse commercial agreements to protect the company's interests while ensuring enforceability under Philippine law.</p></li><li><p>Real Estate Negotiation: Employing advanced tactical approaches to secure favorable commercial terms in high-value lease.</p></li><li><p>Ethics & Compliance: Implementing rigorous internal controls and upholding statutory requirements to maintain the integrity of all real estate operations.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><h3><strong>What we are offering</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Hybrid Work: Enjoy a flexible work environment.</p></li><li><p>Career Growth: Access a global network of training and learning opportunities.</p></li><li><p>Decathlon Shareholder: Take a stake in our company and become a shareholder.</p></li><li><p>Health Benefits: Get a health card to cover your medical needs including your dependents</p></li><li><p>Teammate Discount: Receive a 20% discount on Decathlon products to fuel your sports passion.</p></li></ul><p><br/></p><p>Ready to take your career to the next level?</p><p>Apply now!</p>
Apply Now
