Legal Counsel – Development Operations (fixed term 6-9 months) (F/M/X)

Job Description

Accor is currently looking for a 6-9-month fixed term contract to join the Legal Operations & Development Team in France. You will report directly to the VP Legal France Benelux Switzerland & North Africa (ENA).

You will join a growing and dynamic team working on development projects and day-to-day operations linked to hotel management contracts and franchise contracts across France, North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Benelux and Switzerland, focusing on Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy‑branded hotels.

You will assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating NDAs, MOUs, hotel management and franchise contracts, hotel consultancy services agreements, and ancillary contracts in France and North Africa, ensuring that they are concluded in accordance with applicable laws and Accor’s policies. You will also provide counsel on legal issues relating to development projects and operational activities, assist with corporate secretarial matters and day‑to‑day requests linked with Accor’s affiliates in North Africa (e.g., intercompany agreements, service agreements), and, where applicable, coordinate pre‑litigation and litigation files with local law firms.

Tasks / Accountabilities

• Comprehensive and independent handling of tasks and cases from the entire field of contract law and corporate law in ENA.
• Provide legal advice in French and in English to various internal departments (development, operations, feasibility, finance, accountability, etc.) located in the Europe & North Africa region.
• Drafting and negotiating skills.
• Assist with developing and sharing know‑how by producing template agreements or adapting template agreements.
• Monitor and advise on legislative changes and communicate as appropriate.
• Legal research.

Qualifications

• Law degree or equivalent Legal Executive qualification.
• At least 4+ years legal commercial experience at a reputable law firm and/or comparable in‑house legal department experience.
• Good understanding of business law, contract law, corporate law and hospitality sector.
• French and English – fluent/business‑level.

Soft Skills

• Proactivity and autonomy.
• Solution provider: pragmatic judgment, strong business acumen and ability to determine the significance of legal matters.
• Excellent team player with intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore new legal issues and solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including optimism, diplomacy and flexibility, and ability to interface effectively with personnel at many different levels, customers and business partners to work effectively in cross‑functional/multi‑cultural global teams.
• High‑quality standards of own work.
• Ability to work independently and to make legally sound decisions.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working conditions (per week: 2 days remotely and 3 days on‑site) – people can work effectively remotely.
• The workplace is located at Accor's head office in Issy les Moulineaux.
• Making a concrete contribution to the hospitality industry in an innovative company that puts people first.
• Dynamic organization with great, driven colleagues.
• Working as part of an international legal team on matters covering several countries.
• Plenty of space for your own ideas and for your personal development.
• AllHeart‑art‑program: Dedicated to Accor employees, providing benefits, stays and unforgettable experiences worldwide.