Real Estate Legal Counsel
Metro Manila, Philippines (Hybrid)
Metro Manila, Philippines (Hybrid)
The Real Estate Legal Counsel will be a key driver in securing and protecting Decathlon Philippines' expansion strategy. This role involves end-to-end legal management of our real estate portfolio, including the negotiation of complex lease agreements, legal due diligence, construction-related legalities, and ensuring full compliance with local zoning, permitting, and property regulations.
The ideal candidate is a proactive legal expert with a proven track record in Philippine real estate law, combining a sharp commercial mindset with a steadfast commitment to ethics and integrity. You will act as a strategic partner to the Expansion Team and a core member of the Compliance Team, ensuring that our store locations—whether in malls or stand-alore sites, are secured under optimal terms that mitigate risk while supporting our mission to move people through the wonders of sport.
Carry out project legal assessments:
Gather all necessary information and documentation for real estate projects.
Identify legal feasibility and assess legal risks for real estate and business development projects.
Analyze legal feasibility for green building initiatives and other business development projects.
Understand the local vision of projects.
Ensure compliance with Decathlon's real estate policy, applicable governances and global legal framework.
Provide legal advice:
Advise stakeholders on legal, regulatory and compliance matters relevant to real estate, developments, acquisitions and disposals; etc.
Define and propose the best deal structure.
Provide appropriate and efficient solutions to control and mitigate legal risks, including zoning, permit requirements, contract templates, and timing.
Draft and regularly update legal documents.
Archive legal documents within a reasonable and appropriate timeframe for the project.
Complete all the agreement information in the existing and future real estate tools
Coordinate and encourage the expansion team to ensure all lease records are updated regularly.
Oversee the expansion team's archiving of real estate management and co-ownership files, focusing on quality and completeness
Prepare, support, and participate in contract negotiations
Oversee all acts and contracts signed until project opening.
Keep abreast of legal and regulatory development in the real estate industry across the Philippines.
Advise on general corporate commercial matters.
Ensure legal safety:
Implement, train and guide stakeholders on legal procedures, standards, methods and compliance.
Prepare LOls, POAs, (framework) contracts and amendments with clauses secured by experts and in compliance with internal decisions, legal and regulatory requirements.
Ensure adherence to the company's policies, processes, and framework.
Monitor lease agreements deadlines and renewals and alarm and support concerned people to anticipate those deadlines.
Ensure the accuracy and continuous updating of all lease renewal documentation.
Manage litigation processes related to Real Estate projects with support of external advisors / third party organisations.
Collaborate with United Real Estate, Legal counsels and community members, to facilitate the integration of United Real Estate's objectives, tools and process improvements and sharing of best practices.
Assist the Legal Counsel and Compliance Team with any ad-hoc matters.
Sporty! At Decathlon, we're looking for someone who is passionate about sport.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a reputable law school.
Admitted to the Philippine Bar and in good standing
Minimum of 2-4 years experience in real estate law, property development, or corporate law with a focus on retail expansion. Experience in a major retail/property developer is highly preferred.
Deep knowledge of the Philippine Civil Code (Property and Lease) and Focal Government Code.
Strong skills in high-stakes contract negotiation, with specialized expertise in complex commercial lease agreements (mall and stand-alone), including rent structures and CAM charges.
Behaviours
Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex property documents and regulatory frameworks to identify potential legal hurdles before they impact expansion timelines.
Problem-Solving: Finding creative legal and commercial solutions to overcome contract negotiations and zoning or permitting obstacles, ensuring store projects remain on track.
Prioritization: Efficiently managing multiple high-stakes lease negotiations and due diligence tasks simultaneously to meet aggressive retail growth targets.
Adaptability: Pivoting quickly in response to changing local ordinances or shifting project requirements within a fast-paced retail environment.
Persuasive Communication: Articulating complex legal risks and recommendations clearly to both internal stakeholders and external developers to drive consensus and results.
Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency, reflecting Decathlon's values.
Technical Skills
Real Estate Law: Deep technical knowledge of the Philippine Civil Code and property-related special laws to ensure all assets are legally sound.
Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal and operational liabilities throughout the property acquisition and leasing lifecycle.
Project Management: Coordinating complex legal workflows and governance processes across multiple departments to ensure store openings meet strict architectural and commercial timelines.
Contract Law: Expertly drafting and interpreting diverse commercial agreements to protect the company's interests while ensuring enforceability under Philippine law.
Real Estate Negotiation: Employing advanced tactical approaches to secure favorable commercial terms in high-value lease.
Ethics & Compliance: Implementing rigorous internal controls and upholding statutory requirements to maintain the integrity of all real estate operations.
Hybrid Work: Enjoy a flexible work environment.
Career Growth: Access a global network of training and learning opportunities.
Decathlon Shareholder: Take a stake in our company and become a shareholder.
Health Benefits: Get a health card to cover your medical needs including your dependents
Teammate Discount: Receive a 20% discount on Decathlon products to fuel your sports passion.
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Apply now!
