Regional Legal Counsel - Africa

Job description

Regional Legal Counsel - Africa Job Provider: Hudson Morocco Department: Legal Reporting to: General Counsel Work Location: Casablanca Status: Full-time Hudson Group is an international retailer and distributor primarily involved in the sport and fashion wear sectors. The Group’s head office is in Malta but is also present through offices in Italy, Cyprus, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya and Algeria. Though Hudson Holdings was founded in 2006, the Group’s roots reach as far back as 1987 when the first pair of NIKE was sold in Malta. Purpose of the Job The Regional Legal Counsel – Africa will provide legal support and guidance across Hudson Group’s operations within the African region, primarily supporting Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria, as well as any other African countries where Hudson Group may operate in the future, whether directly or through franchise partnerships. The role will partner closely with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure legal compliance, minimise risk exposure, support commercial activities, and provide practical legal advice aligned with the Group’s operational and strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be based in Morocco and should be comfortable travelling across the region when required. The ideal candidate will have previous experience operating in a similar regional legal role and exposure to the same or comparable African jurisdictions. Whilst the role will be supported by external legal counsel within each country, the Regional Legal Counsel will retain ownership and responsibility for all legal matters across the region, whether handled directly or in coordination with external counsel. What you will do Provide legal advice and support across Hudson Group’s African operations, primarily Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria, as well as any other African countries where the Group may establish operations in the future either directly or through franchisees. Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements including supplier, distribution, service, lease and partnership agreements. Support retail, wholesale and corporate operations with day-to-day legal matters. Advise stakeholders on corporate, commercial, labour and regulatory matters across multiple jurisdictions. Coordinate and manage relationships with external legal counsel across the region whilst maintaining ownership of all legal matters. Oversee legal matters handled by external counsel and ensure alignment with business objectives and timelines. Monitor legal and regulatory developments and advise the business on potential impacts. Support with dispute resolution, litigation management and risk mitigation activities. Assist with corporate governance, entity management and compliance requirements. Support contract standardisation and legal process improvements across the region. Participate in business expansion projects, new market activities, franchise partnerships and strategic initiatives across existing and future African markets. Deliver practical, commercially focused legal guidance to support operational decision-making. How You Will Be Measured Timely and commercially effective legal support provided to stakeholders Quality and accuracy of legal advice and contract reviews Reduction and mitigation of legal and compliance risks Responsiveness and partnership with operational teams Effective management of external legal counsel and legal costs Compliance with local regulatory and corporate governance requirements Contribution towards business continuity and regional expansion initiatives What You Will Bring Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent legal qualification. 5–10 years of legal experience either within a law firm or in-house environment. Previous experience supporting multiple African jurisdictions within a regional capacity would be highly preferred. Exposure to Morocco, Kenya and/or Nigeria would be considered a strong advantage. Experience coordinating and managing external legal counsel across different jurisdictions. Strong commercial and contract drafting skills. Ability to balance legal risk with practical business needs. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Ability to work independently within a fast-paced and evolving environment. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills. Fluent in English and French; Arabic would be considered an advantage. Willingness to travel across the African region when required.