Real Estate Legal Counsel

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

What we are looking for

• 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.

What you’ll need to succeed

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.

What we are offering

• 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!