Chief Legal Counsel

City Wide Franchise is seeking a Chief Legal Officer to join our fast growing franchise company, located in Lenexa, KS!

The Chief Legal Officer will serve as our primary advisor on all legal matters, guiding City Wide policy to reflect legislative changes and statutory compliance. City Wide and all associated entities will rely on the general counsel’s expertise to help us protect the interests of our franchisees, customers, independent contractors, and employees, and to further the City Wide mission, vision and strategic goals.

City Wide Franchise is a fast-growing company with over 100 franchise locations across the US and Canada. Founded in 1961, City Wide Facility Solutions is the largest management company in the building maintenance industry. We continue to experience high growth and profitability across our franchise business. Our culture supports the company’s Mission to create a Ripple Effect by positively impacting the people and communities they serve. Read more about City Wide at www.gocitywide.com

• Ensure City Wide and all associated entities, including JBOM Family Office and investing opportunities  operates within the law at all times.

• Provide expert, strategic legal advice to City Wide leadership, management, partners and board of directors.

• Assess company decisions with an eye toward expanding legal rights and mitigating risk.

• Represent City Wide and all associated entities in legal matters and complex matters related to the law, such as public relations and ongoing regulatory compliance.

• Oversee the drafting of all files relative to any contract execution for City Wide Franchise to ensure in compliance with FDD and legal requirements (Federal Trade Commission and varying state franchise requirements).

• Lead the annual FDD/Franchise Agreement update and multi-state registration process; support franchise development team on new franchise sales process; lead on franchise renewal process; lead on the franchise transfer/split territory/sale/termination process.

• Oversee the drafting, reviewing and client agreements for City Wide’s National Business Development unit.

• Oversee the compliance of required business certificates, insurance policies, leases and other commercial contracts for franchisees and City Wide’s National Accounts.

• Guide and ensure full execution of accurate franchise and corporate documents by franchisees and ensure executed originals are returned and filed appropriately, with appropriate signatures.

• Ongoing collaboration with leadership, partners and advisory counsel with regard to franchising, contract matters, employment law and compliance, as needed.

• Collaborate with Franchise Development Director and other departments to ensure franchisees maintain compliance with City Wide System Standards and Best Practices; lead process for non-compliance and/or default and termination.
• Oversee the compliance review of the City Wide Operations Manual and ensure alignment with aligned with the FDD and lead annual review process.
• Undertake special assignments, including research, review, and analysis of contract documentation, system compliance matters and other issues, as requested.
• Compile and disseminate educational and/or guidance materials to demonstrate Legal as a resource.
• Manage and mentor all departmental staff.    

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration (or similar) and, Juris Doctorate degree.
• 10+ years of corporate legal experience, franchising and/or multi-entity legal contract administration, to include management of others.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies in Engagement, Impact & Influence, Empowering Others and Business Acumen.
• Franchise experience required.
• Excellent attention to details, and exceptional judgement and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong customer service approach.

City Wide Franchise offers a competitive compensation structure to include bonus and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, PTO, and 401k. In addition, City Wide Franchise prides itself on a culture rich in history and collaboration, within an exciting, fast-paced, and flexible work atmosphere that fosters continual learning and development. As a people-centered culture, we also offer community-based enrichment, including paid time to support charities of choice!

City Wide is an Equal Opportunity Employer