Legal Counsel Franchising – Inter IKEA Systems B.V. (IKEA)

Our client

Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is the worldwide IKEA franchisor, with 12 different groups of companies operating IKEA stores and other IKEA sales channels in over 60 different countries across the world, under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems. The Legal & Governance team at Inter IKEA Systems has a full range of legal responsibilities including certain group tasks and consists of around twenty legal professionals of many different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures and legal expertise areas. The team works closely together with legal functions in IKEA Range and IKEA Supply.

The Legal & Governanc team currently consists of 20 (non) legal professionals of many different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures and legal expertise areas. It’s a truly positive and collaborative team that works together to mitigate risk, and provide quality legal advice while always striving to be even better business partners.

To strengthen the Legal & Governance team we are seeking to recruit a Legal Counsel Franchising based in Delft, the Netherlands, reporting to the Manager Legal Franchising.

The position

Your primary role will be to support (and work closely with) the business unit IKEA Expansion in advising on matters relating to franchising of the IKEA retail system and expansion of the IKEA concept worldwide. The role will e.g. involve:

• drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements and other (legal) documents with the IKEA franchisees worldwide (e.g. franchise agreements and multichannel set-ups)
• leading pre- and post-contractual disclosure/franchisor registration projects;
• advising the business on a variety of legal issues incl. franchising, distribution, customs, tax, IP,  and other general contracting matters etc.
• managing external law firms world-wide
• providing training and guidance to the business, as required.

The profile

To be successful in this role, the following knowledge, skills and experiences would be valuable:

• completed degree in law;
• 5-10 years PQE, preferably within a multinational corporation or leading law firm;
• knowledge of licensing, IP and general commercial contract law. Knowledge of franchising and retail business would be a great advantage;
• strong negotiation and contract drafting skills;
• excellent communication skills with the ability to inspire and clarify;
• fluency in English (written and spoken);
• team player and ability to work closely with the business and build strong relationships;
• enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently,  interdependently and who assumes responsibility;
• confidence to deal with difficult situations with stakeholders from different levels;
• high level of integrity, solution- and business minded;
• ability to coach and develop othe

The offer

At IKEA, they do things a little different. They think differently, act differently, and work differently as well. They like to break things. Like habits. And then make things. Like music-playing lamps. And beds disguised as sofas. Even plant balls that help look after our planet. It’s all part of our vision – to create a better everyday life for the many. And it’s been keeping their co-workers going for over 80 years. By 2030, they hope to help millions more look forward to going home. Maybe you can help them as Legal Counsel Franchising?

A fulltime position for a highly motivated, business oriented and enthusiastic legal professional who is ready for the next step and looking for a challenging and interesting, innovative, fun and dynamic international environment. Our client offers good opportunities to grow and develop your skills and expertise. Location Delft. Occasional travel may be required.