Director of Legal, Design and Construction

As Director of Legal, Design and Construction at our Global Office, you are part of a team that brings the legend of Belmond to life. You will report directly to the General Counsel with a dotted line to the SVP Design And Construction providing legal support to the Design and Construction team focusing on commercial contracts for extensive, high-value refurbishments of hotels and trains, and developments for new sites and offerings. You can expect to be involved with other areas of the business to support legal colleagues in other commercial contracts, property related matters, as well as with acquisitions of assets. If you are looking to become a trusted adviser to shape the future of Belmond, this is your moment.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Refurbishments  - Belmond has a very ambitious on-going project of extensive refurbishments of its portfolio of properties, led by the DPD team, and the role must be able to provide dedicated legal support for these projects globally, including:
• NDAs and assisting with the legal side of any tenders;
• Independently drafting, negotiating, reviewing and completing commercial contracts for a variety of different types of consultants including project managers, cost consultants, interior designers, architects, art consultants, planning consultants, procurement agents, spa/lighting/landscape consultants and others;
• Negotiating with consultants and their legal advisors;
• Managing a workload of numerous contracts for different projects simultaneously and adapting priorities as required;
• Working collaboratively with the DPD team to understand projects and aims, commercial agreements and expectations, and helping ensure the goals of the projects are met;
• Assisting with queries on levels of consultants’ insurance, and working with Belmond’s insurance brokers to put in place appropriate project insurance policies;
• Reviewing and negotiating performance guarantees for advance payments;
• Instructing, liaising with (and managing costs of) local counsel.
•  Works Contracts – the role will require independently drafting, negotiating, reviewing and completing agreements with contractors for refurbishments, conversions of newly acquired assets, general works and repairs to assets and repurposing existing facilities (e.g. changing the use of a carriage on a train). This will include engaging external counsel in overseas jurisdictions, on contracts with works values from £100ks to £10+ million.
•  Construction – knowledge of construction is required (e.g. understanding general contractor agreements, collateral warranties, third party guarantees, and basic knowledge of contractor “all-risks” insurance).
•  Property and Real Estate –knowledge and experience of property matters is useful (e.g. understanding leases, licences, property transfer mechanics, title registrations, planning applications and environmental matters).
•  IP - some knowledge of IP required (e.g. for drafting and agreeing appropriate assignments and licences of IP in artwork).
•  Commercial - this role should also be able to support commercial “BAU” contracts and projects, including inputting into PR and comms packs, and supporting with ad hoc contentious matters,
•  Risk - Be alive to risk and compliance matters and escalate concerns/risks to line manager promptly, whilst managing day to day risks appropriately. Working with the internal compliance counsel to ensure projects and contracts address anti-bribery, corruption and sanctions matters.
•  Jurisdictions - whilst contracts will primarily be under English law (and if not, external counsel will be used as needed), experience of working with lawyers in other jurisdictions and with clients/colleagues overseas is beneficial.

What you should know when applying...

• The role is generally able to benefit from our current hybrid working policy where team members can work remotely for up to two days per week.
• An early application is encouraged as the position may close if a large volume of applications is received.
• We will be moving offices to Wogan House, 99 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7NY in late 2024. Wogan House has undergone comprehensive renovations with brand-new fitted office space under the management of a leading co-working space and property management company.
• Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK.

The Belmond & LVMH Family  

The Belmond global collection of iconic hotels, trains, safaris and river cruises is proud to be part of LVMH, all creating exceptional experiences worldwide. When you join Belmond, you join a global family of history-rich hotels and breathtaking destinations, where our employees are at the heart of the Belmond experience.  

About Us

Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys. From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond curates incomparable experiences and crafts unforgettable stories. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are the very soul of Belmond, where the path that brings you to a place is as important as the destination itself. A pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urban icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. As proud custodians of storied properties, Belmond is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world's most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of the world’s leading luxury group, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).

What you bring:

• A qualified solicitor in the UK with at least 5-years PQE.
• Strong construction and real estate experience (including construction contract disputes).
• Strong legal drafting and negotiating ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small yet dynamic team.
• Ability to build effective professional relationships with corporate and international teams, managers and senior management.
• A demonstrable interest in the travel and hospitality industry.

What We Offer:

At Belmond, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture built on kindness, active listening, and genuine connections with our colleagues and guests. We offer a comprehensive range of compensation, perks and benefits including:

• Competitive salaries and incentive plans
• Complimentary and preferred rate experiences at our iconic destinations
• Private Medical Insurance and Dental Plans
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• 33 days’ annual leave per year (inclusive of English Bank Holidays).
• Lifestyle and Employee Assistance Programs
• Onsite gym facilities

We strive to create an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a commitment to your ongoing development, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Join us and be part of creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities and each other.

This is your moment. Apply today!