Legal Counsel -Franchising, Supply Management & Entegra

About the job

Sodexo has an opening for Legal Counsel - Franchising, Brands, Supply Management & Entegra.

This is an onsite position and will be located in our new headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Legal Counsel – Franchising, Brands, Supply Management & Entegra serves as a strategic legal advisor and business partner responsible for providing legal support across franchising, brand licensing, supply management, procurement, and related commercial operations. The position leads the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of franchise agreements, brand licensing agreements, supply and vendor contracts, and other commercial transactions and legal matters as may be assigned. The role partners closely with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal risks while supporting operational and strategic objectives. The position provides practical, business-oriented legal advice on a broad range of commercial and contractual matters, develops standardized contract processes and templates, and promotes compliance with applicable laws and corporate policies. The Legal Counsel contributes to the Legal Department's overall effectiveness by delivering timely, pragmatic legal solutions that enable business growth and operational excellence.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $139145 - $180070

Incentive Eligibility

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

• Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and legal support of franchise agreements, brand licensing agreements, supply agreements, vendor contracts, and other commercial arrangements.
• Serve as the primary legal advisor supporting franchising and brand licensing activities.
• Provide legal support for sourcing, procurement, supply chain, supplier management, and related commercial activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier, purchasing, services, and strategic partnership agreements.
• Advise executives, business leaders, and operational teams on legal risks, commercial strategies, and day-to-day business matters.
• Provide practical, solutions-oriented legal guidance that balances risk management with business priorities.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks affecting commercial operations and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments impacting franchise, licensing, procurement, and supply chain activities
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, Supply Management, Human Resources, Compliance, Brand, Operations, and other stakeholders to support business objectives.
• Develop contract templates, playbooks, and standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and consistency

What you’ll bring

• Strong knowledge of commercial contracting, franchise agreements, brand licensing arrangements, supply agreements, procurement, and general corporate transactions.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and administering sophisticated commercial agreements.
• Experience providing legal support in connection with commercial leases is a plus.
• Knowledge of risk allocation principles, contract interpretation, and commercial dispute avoidance strategies.
• Ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice to executives and operational stakeholders.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance legal risk with operational and commercial priorities.
• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a complex business environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with internal clients and external business partners.
• Strong business acumen and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or LL.M. (Master of Laws)
• Related Experience: 3 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.