Legal Counsel - The Usual Hotels

THE USUAL HOTELS

We are looking for a

Legal Counsel

We are currently launching a new sustainable hotel brand and concept: The Usual. It will be a purpose-led, pan-European chain designed for sustainability, comfort, and affordability. At this early stage, we have four hotels to rebrand and several more in the final phase of purchase. Our first hotels will open end of 2023. We are looking for a Legal Counsel to provide us with the legal advice to support our growth plans!

Who we are

We are the world’s first hotel chain that won’t treat this planet like a hotel. We believe that travel should leave a positive impact on both the planet and people. Our solution-oriented group of optimists is committed to offering conscious city trips that empower our guests, our colleagues, and the locals to do good, every step of the way.

Our focus areas include social responsibility, conscious building, responsible sourcing, and reducing our carbon footprint. As a sustainable brand, we integrate ESG principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals into everything we do. Our properties meet the BREAAM In-Use Excellent standard, and we're in the process of becoming a certified B Corporation.

For us, sustainability isn't just a buzzword. It's a core value that guides our decision-making and actions. We're dedicated to making conscious choices that leave the planet in a better state for future generations, and we're determined to disrupt the hotel industry.

Joining our cause will give you the unique chance to be part of a hospitality transformation. We are here to make conscious travel accessible to all and inspire others to join our journey.

The role

As Legal Counsel at The Usual, you will specialize in general corporate and commercial matters. You will be an integral part of the team, advising every team member across the spectrum of the business (from senior leadership to our interns). You would need to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with all types of internal and external stakeholders, working closely with the General Counsel of our investor partner Crossroads. Your responsibilities, among other corporate and commercial matters, shall include:

• Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to your employer and other members of staff on a variety of legal topics that relate to the business sector and the products or services.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various commercial contracts and agreements (and with demonstrable experience of negotiating (pre-)sales documentation i.e. LOI, NDA, NBO, SPA etc.)
• Managing and mitigating legal risks by designing and implementing company governance policies and procedures and liaising with Crossroads General Counsel to roll out.
• Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the business.
• Promoting legal, compliance and risk management best practice throughout the company.
  
• Communicating with and managing any third-party bodies such as external counsel and auditors.
• Designing and delivering legal training to the business.
• Staying up-to-date with changes to legislation, particularly in relation to laws, rules and regulations that directly affect your business and specific industry.
• Effectively managing and reporting on a legal budget
• Liaising with all members of staff.
• In charge of maintaining the corporate repository for all files
• Act as corporate secretary.
• Upkeep of all corporate appointments

Who are you?
We are looking for someone with the following attributes:

• Sound understanding and knowledge of commercial and corporate law, supported by at least 3 – 4 years’ experience in a leading private practice firm.
• Preferably at least one years’ experience working in-house.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent negotiating and drafting skills.
• The ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business.
• The ability to communicate complex legal issues and risks in terms that non-legal colleagues can understand.
• The ability to work in a highly autonomous role.

Requirements

• Must have a heart for ESG and sustainability
• Law degree, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Proficient in MS Office
• Proficient in Dutch & English (with preferably other languages also)
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills
• Detail-oriented and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What’s in it for you?

• Attractive package in accordance with your experience and know-how;
• Eligibility to take part in the company's discretionary bonus scheme;
• 25 holidays to relax and unwind throughout the year;
• Personal development opportunities;
• The opportunity to join an innovative, sustainable, international hospitality group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a brand;
• Joining our cause will give you the unique chance to be part of a major transformation, leaving a long-lasting impact;
• Extra time off to volunteer with our charities;
• We have already summed up a few attractive conditions. Our goal is to make The Usual one of the best places to work, and we are currently working on a complete package for the whole organization.
  
  

How we work

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We strive to be open, honest, and inclusive, and we believe that these values are essential for everyone to be their best selves. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach - we want to hear about your passions and help you build a career that fits your needs! There is freedom for growth, change, and defining our culture together.

Contact person for this position: Joachim de Looij, CEO of The Usual Hotels