Head of Legal Operations

About the role

The Head of Legal Operations will act as a strategic advisor for Kempinski’s global portfolio, providing high‑level legal guidance across hotel and residence management, M&A, real estate, finance, intellectual property and international dispute resolution. Reporting to senior leadership, you will safeguard the brand’s interests while supporting its expansion into emerging and established markets.

Key responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review and negotiation of complex contracts, including Hotel & Residences Management Agreements, technical services agreements and franchise contracts.
• Advise on corporate governance matters such as secretarial duties, joint ventures and international entity management.
• Manage external counsel worldwide for litigation, arbitration and labour disputes, ensuring cost‑effective outcomes.
• Support real‑estate transactions, leasing and construction legalities for new hotel developments.
• Oversee the global trademark portfolio and provide guidance on marketing, IP licensing and sponsorship agreements.
• Lead a team of four legal specialists, fostering collaboration and high performance.

Required profile

• Master of Laws (LL.M.) or equivalent from a top‑tier university; bar‑qualified in a major jurisdiction.
• 8–12 years post‑qualification experience, preferably from a top‑tier law firm or asset‑management firm.
• Hospitality sector experience is highly preferred.
• Fluent English; additional language proficiency is a plus.

Required skills

• Deep expertise in international commercial law and cross‑border transactions.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation capabilities.
• Corporate governance and entity management knowledge.
• Litigation and arbitration management experience.
• Real‑estate and construction legal support.
• Trademark portfolio and IP licensing oversight.