About Us
At Collective Wellness Group (CWG), we are on a mission to inspire a healthier, happier Australia. As the leader in fitness franchising, CWG supports iconic brands like Anytime Fitness, Australia's largest and most welcoming gym network. Over the last 16 years, Anytime Fitness has grown to over 565 clubs nationwide, with more than 688,000 members embracing health and wellness. Our dynamic team thrives in a fast-paced environment, working passionately to empower communities and redefine the fitness experience. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact through innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to healthier lifestyles.
The Role
The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and guidance across a broad range of legal matters, with a strong focus on franchising. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will support the company’s strategic initiatives while managing legal risk and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. You will also collaborate with various internal teams, including Operations, Marketing, Finance, and HR, to mitigate risk and enable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
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Franchise Legal Support: Provide legal advice on franchise agreements, disputes, and franchisor/franchisee relationships. Oversee the development and review of franchise documentation and ensure compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct.
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Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to franchising, real estate, commercial partnerships, and other business operations.
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Corporate Governance: Ensure compliance with Australian corporate laws and regulations, including managing internal policies and governance matters.
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Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Lead and manage any disputes or litigation involving the business, liaising with external legal counsel as necessary.
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Regulatory Compliance: Advise on and ensure compliance with relevant laws, including consumer law, employment law, privacy regulations, and franchising legislation.
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Risk Management: Identify potential legal risks and provide strategic advice to mitigate these risks, including through training and awareness programs.
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Internal Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the senior leadership team, finance team, and other departments to provide proactive legal support for business decisions and initiatives.
- Demonstrate commitment to living our Collective Wellness Group principles (Own It, See It, Feel It, Do It, Together) and Purpose to Inspire Healthier Lives
- Other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the CFO and SLT
About You
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Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a legal counsel role, with minimum 2 years' experience in a private practice firm. Previous experience working in-house at a franchise-based business or supporting franchisee accounts is highly desirable.
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Legal Qualifications: A law degree and admission to practice as a solicitor in Australia.
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Franchise Expertise: Proven experience in franchising, including advising on the Franchising Code of Conduct, franchise agreements, and franchisor/franchisee issues.
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Corporate & Commercial Law Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of Australian corporate and commercial law, including contractual law, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Strong experience in drafting, negotiating, and advising on franchise agreements, as well as handling franchisee disputes and regulatory compliance.
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Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
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Problem-Solving: A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
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Leadership & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence key stakeholders. Experience working with senior management teams, advising on complex legal matters, and providing strategic legal counsel to guide business decisions.
- Proven experience in managing legal teams, with a track record of leading and developing junior legal staff.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to understand commercial objectives and align legal advice accordingly.
- Experience in international franchising or working with franchise systems outside of Australia would be an advantage
Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to reference checks, a Police check, a Working with Children Check (WWCC), and verification of your right to work in Australia.
The Perks
We practice what we preach! You will be supported every day to live an active and healthy lifestyle, in a fun and passionate working environment. Further to this, our team receive;
- Hybrid and Flexible style of working.
- Free gym memberships to the Collective Wellness Group brands.
- A day of birthday leave, two wellness days of leave and $250 wellness voucher each year.
- Holistic Wellness Calendar of events and resources based on our 6 pillars of wellness.
- Access to free, professional, and confidential counseling via our Employee Assistance Program.
- Access to our LMS system for ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Crows Nest location.
- And more
Don’t miss out—apply now!