Legal & Compliance Manager

Reporting To:

Department:

Salary:

Location:

Experience:

Role Overview

The Legal & Compliance Manager will oversee all legal, regulatory, and compliance activities across the company's multiple outlets and cities. This role ensures that the organization operates within the legal framework, manages risks effectively, and supports expansion through timely documentation, licensing, and adherence to statutory obligations. The role requires strong legal drafting, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate with internal teams, external counsel, and government authorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Agreement Drafting & Review

• Review, revise, and negotiate

  rental/lease agreements

  , ensuring favorable commercial terms and compliance with local regulations.
• Draft and review

  vendor agreements

  , NDAs, service contracts, and inter-company agreements.
• Maintain a repository of all contracts and ensure renewal tracking and timely updates.
• Ensure appropriate

  stamp duty payment

  , contract registration, and compliance with state-specific requirements.

2. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage and procure all statutory licenses required for QSR operations, including but not limited to:

• Shops & Establishment (S&E) License

• FSSAI Registration / License

• Health License

• Trade License

• Eating House License

  (if applicable by state)

• Music License / Fire NOC / Pollution NOC

  (if applicable)
• Ensure all licenses are renewed on time and displayed as required at all outlets.
• Maintain a compliance tracker for all stores across cities.

3. Intellectual Property Coordination

• Coordinate with external legal counsel for

  trademark filings

  , renewals, oppositions, and brand protection matters.
• Monitor deadlines and maintain a database of all IP assets.

4. Regulatory Filings & Corporate Compliance

• Support statutory filings under the Companies Act (as required), including board resolutions for lease agreements or legal actions.
• Ensure adherence to applicable labour, food safety, municipal, and local regulations.
• Assist in drafting policies, SOPs, and internal compliance documentation.

5. Legal Risk Management

• Identify potential legal risks in contracts, operations, new outlets, and vendor relationships, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Provide legal guidance for new store launches and city expansions.
• Liaise with internal teams (Finance, Operations, HR, Projects) to ensure compliance at every stage.

6. Coordination & Governance

• Follow up with law firms, consultants, municipal bodies, and government departments to ensure timely progress.
• Maintain organized documentationboth physical and digitalfor audit readiness.
• Prepare periodic compliance and legal status reports for leadership.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of

  contract law, licensing regulations, and food-service compliance

  .
• Experience handling

  multi-city regulatory requirements

  .
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage high volumes of documents.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation capabilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, finance, and projects teams.
• Proactive approach to identifying risks and ensuring compliance.

Qualifications

• LL.B. from a recognized university; LL.M. preferred but not mandatory.
• 48 years of experience in legal, regulatory, or compliance roles.
• Experience in

  QSR, retail, hospitality, or franchising

  is an added advantage.