Join our high-performing Legal team as a Legal Counsel – Franchise Services, providing commercially focused legal advice and governance support across a dynamic national franchise network!
About Us
Retail Food Group (RFG) is Australia’s largest multi-brand food and beverage franchise owner. We not only roast and supply premium coffee but also operate a leading pie and bakery factory, crafting high-quality baked goods. Our core focus lies with supporting its franchise partners to be more successful and to achieve greater profitability while at the same time working hard to ensure our customers enjoy the best products and services we have to offer.
The Role
As Legal Counsel – Franchise Services, you will play a critical role within RFG’s
Legal Services function, supporting the legal, compliance and governance framework across our domestic franchise network. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services/Company Secretary, you will act as a trusted advisor to the business, providing timely, technically sound and commercially pragmatic legal advice across franchise operations, disputes, compliance and regulatory matters.
You will lead the day-to-day legal support of franchise operations (Stream 2), partnering closely with Operations, Brand and Executive stakeholders to balance legal risk, brand protection and commercial outcomes. This is a high-impact role suited to a confident and solutions-focused legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice across franchise operations, including compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct, Australian Consumer Law and Corporations Act
- Lead franchise governance frameworks, policies and system controls across multiple brand networks
- Identify, manage and report on legal, regulatory and reputational risks within the franchise network
- Support the business in managing underperforming or non-compliant franchisees
- Partner with Operations and Brand teams to ensure legal frameworks support network performance
- Drive strategy and oversight of franchise disputes, investigations and enforcement matters
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex or high-risk legal issues
- Manage litigation strategy and external legal counsel relationships where required
- Provide legal input into marketing, advertising and regulatory compliance requirements
- Draft, review and negotiate legal agreements and documentation
- Maintain accurate legal records, registers and systems as a reliable source of truth
- Prepare reporting on legal risk, disputes and compliance matters for Executive and Board stakeholders
Skills and Experience
- 3–5 years’ post-admission experience, ideally within franchising, retail or multi-site environments
- Strong understanding of Australian franchising law, including the Franchising Code of Conduct and ACL
- Experience in disputes, investigations, enforcement and regulatory matters
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex and high-risk issues with sound commercial judgement
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to balance legal risk with practical, commercially focused solutions
- High attention to detail with strong organisational capability
- Tertiary qualification in Law and a current practising certificate
What We Offer
- A collaborative and commercially focused Legal team
- Direct exposure to Executive and Board-level stakeholders
- Opportunities to influence franchise strategy, governance and risk frameworks
- A supportive environment that encourages professional growth and career development
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact across a large, multi-brand national network
- Plus, all the fun stuff! A paid day off for your birthday, Paid Parental Leave to support you and your family, Novated Leasing options, Wellbeing Initiatives, Unplugged Days to
mentally switch off and recharge, access to a variety of employee discounts across retail, food and lifestyle brands plus much more!
At Retail Food Group, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is key to fostering innovation and success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or marital status. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees. Join us and be part of a team where your unique perspectives and experiences are valued and encouraged.
For more information about RFG visit: www.rfg.com.au
