Director of Franchise Legal Administration

The Director of Franchise Legal Administration oversees the legal administration, compliance, documentation, and operational support functions for BELFOR Franchise Group's (BFG) 15 service-based franchise brands. This role serves as a strategic partner to Legal, Franchise Development, Operations, and Executive Leadership by managing franchise legal processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining franchise records, and driving efficiency across franchise administration functions.

Key Responsibilities

Franchise Legal Administration

• Direct the administration and lifecycle management of franchise agreements, renewals, transfers, amendments, and terminations.
• Maintain standardized legal processes and documentation controls through BFGs CRM.
• Oversee franchise contract execution and document management systems.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of franchise legal records.

Franchise Disclosure & Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate preparation, review, distribution, and annual updates of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs).
• Manage state registration and renewal filings and maintain compliance calendars.
• Monitor federal, state, and international franchise regulatory requirements.
• Partner with internal and external legal counsel to ensure ongoing compliance.

Contract & Document Management

• Administer contract tracking system for franchise-related agreements.
• Ensure timely processing of franchise approvals, renewals, assignments, and ownership transfers.
• Manage legal documentation workflows and retention policies.
• Support audits and due diligence activities related to franchise operations.

Operational Support

• Serve as the primary liaison between Legal, Franchise Development, Finance, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Provide guidance regarding franchise agreement interpretation and administrative procedures.
• Support franchise onboarding and transition processes.
• Assist with implementation of legal policies, procedures, and training programs.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify administrative and compliance risks internally and within the franchise system.
• Develop controls and reporting mechanisms to mitigate legal and operational risks.
• Support dispute management, litigation tracking, and regulatory inquiries.
• Maintain governance procedures related to franchise compliance and reporting.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop franchise legal administration staff
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and process improvement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with internal departments, outside counsel, vendors, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop reports and dashboards related to franchise agreements, compliance status, and legal administration activities.
• Monitor key performance indicators and provide regular updates to senior leadership.
• Analyze trends and recommend improvements to franchise legal operations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field required.
• Juris Doctor (JD) preferred but not required.

Experience

• 4+ years of experience in franchise administration, legal operations, contract management, or franchise compliance.
• Experience supporting franchisor organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing legal documentation and compliance programs.
• Prior leadership or people-management experience.
• Experience working with Google Email and Documents, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and CRM platforms.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of franchise laws, regulations, and Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs).
• Expertise in contract administration and legal document management.
• Knowledge of corporate governance and compliance practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with legal management software, contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems, and document management platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced franchise environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-unit franchise systems.
• Familiarity with domestic franchise compliance requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in legal operations, workflow automation, and process improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of franchise agreement processing.
• FDD update and registration compliance rates.
• Contract turnaround times.
• Audit and compliance findings.
• Reduction in administrative errors and legal risks.
• Process efficiency improvements.
• Stakeholder satisfaction across Legal, Development, and Operations teams.

Special Requirements

• Evening and/or weekend work may be necessary at times to fulfill business needs.
• Travel is limited but may be required at times.
• Must be able to work in office in the Ann Arbor, MI location.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being

performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an

exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All

personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to

time, as needed.