Legal & Compliance Officer  

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Contract Management

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts, lease agreements, supplier agreements, service contracts, and other legal documents. Provide legal support to various business units regarding contractual matters.
• Monitor contract renewals, expirations, and legal obligations. Coordinate with external legal counsel when specialized legal advice is required.

Government Permits & Regulatory Compliance

• Process, renew, and monitor all business permits, licenses, and regulatory registrations. Liaise with government agencies such as: SEC, BIR, Local Government Units (LGUs), DTI (when applicable), FDA (if applicable), BFP, DOLE, and other relevant regulatory agencies
• Ensure all stores and the head office maintain valid operating permits.

Store Expansion Support

• Support the site acquisition and expansion team by reviewing lease agreements and legal documentation.
• Coordinate legal requirements for new store openings. Assist in securing occupancy permits and other regulatory approvals prior to store launch.

Corporate Compliance

• Ensure company policies comply with Philippine laws and regulations. Monitor changes in legislation affecting retail operations.
• Prepare corporate legal documentation, resolutions, and official correspondence.
• Maintain an organized legal document management system.

Risk Management

• Identify legal and compliance risks in business operations. Recommend preventive measures and compliance improvements.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews across stores.

Position Summary

The Legal & Compliance Manager will oversee the company's legal, regulatory, and compliance functions to support the expansion and operation of a nationwide convenience store chain. The role is responsible for contract management, lease administration, government permits and licenses, corporate documentation, and ensuring compliance with all applicable Philippine laws and regulations. The position will work closely with Operations, Expansion, HR, Finance, and external government agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Legal Management, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Law degree is an advantage but not required.
• 5+ years of experience in corporate legal, compliance, permits, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience supporting multi-branch retail, FMCG, convenience store, supermarket, or restaurant operations is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine business laws and government regulatory processes.
• Experience processing business permits, licenses, and regulatory filings.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Highly organized with strong project management and communication skills.