Head of Legal & Compliance

Who we are

Over the past 18 years, Anytime Fitness has grown into Australia’s largest gym network, with more than 640 gyms and 800,000 members nationwide. Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to inspire healthier lives. Our passionate team brings this mission to life every day by creating inclusive, welcoming fitness communities where people can thrive.

The Opportunity

Lead the Legal & Compliance function for Anytime Fitness Australia, combining strategic leadership, independent oversight and hands-on legal expertise to support sustainable growth.

Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with external legal advisers and relevant board members, you’ll advise senior leaders and lead an integrated team of five, including four direct reports and one indirect reports. Your remit spans franchise governance, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and legal risk, protecting the network’s long-term performance and reputation.

The Role & Responsibilities

• Team leadership: Lead and develop the integrated Legal & Compliance team, setting clear priorities, accountabilities and service standards, and overseeing external legal advisers and expenditure.
• Franchise governance: Advise on franchise agreements, relationships, renewals, transfers and sales; oversee documentation and disclosure processes; and resolve complex franchise matters.
• Commercial advice: Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of commercial agreements, and provide practical advice on operations, strategic initiatives, acquisitions and business transformation.
• Compliance and regulatory affairs: Oversee frameworks, policies and controls across the Support Office and franchise network, supporting the National Compliance Lead to coordinate corrective action and escalate significant or recurring risks.
• Governance and executive advisory: Provide independent advice and constructive challenge to the Managing Director and senior leaders, assist relevant board members, and report material risks, compliance trends and outstanding actions.
• Disputes and legal risk: Oversee litigation, disputes, complaints and regulatory and reputational risks, recommending practical prevention and resolution strategies that balance risk, cost, relationships and commercial outcomes.
• Business partnership and improvement: Build trusted relationships across business functions, translate complex requirements into clear guidance, and improve legal, compliance and governance processes.

Experience & About You

• A law degree, admission as a solicitor in Australia and a current unsupervised Australian practising certificate appropriate to the role.
• Significant post-qualification legal experience, ideally five or more years. Prior senior in-house experience is desirable but not mandatory.
• Deep expertise in Australian franchising law, the Franchising Code of Conduct, franchise documentation and franchisor–franchisee relationships.
• Strong knowledge of Australian corporate, commercial and regulatory frameworks, with practical experience in governance, compliance and risk management.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, managing disputes and regulatory matters, and overseeing external legal advisers.
• Experience leading and developing legal and compliance professionals, with sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.
• Clear communication, integrity and the confidence to provide independent advice, constructively challenge senior stakeholders and translate complex risks into practical recommendations.

You’ll demonstrate our values of Own It, See It, Feel It, Do It and Together, contributing to our purpose of Inspiring Healthier Lives.

Experience in franchise, fitness, retail, consumer-facing or multi-site businesses is desirable, as is exposure to international franchising, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance or company secretarial practices, and advising executive teams or reporting to Boards.

Why work with us?

At Anytime Fitness Australia, you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about creating healthier lives and delivering great experiences for our members and franchisees. As a Certified Great Place to Work, we offer a supportive, high-performing culture where you can grow your career while making a real impact.

Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy include

• Hybrid and flexible working, with modern offices in Crows Nest
• Free gym membership
• Birthday leave
• Two wellness leave days, an annual wellness allowance and year-round wellbeing initiatives
• Career development opportunities across a growing national business
• A collaborative team that values innovation, continuous improvement and having fun along the way

How to Apply

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

At Anytime Fitness Australia, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Pre-employment checks may include reference checks, a police check, a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and verification of your right to work in Australia. 

Thank you for your interest in Anytime Fitness Australia. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding next steps.