Legal Counsel

Banyan Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Banyan Group in Singapore is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support all dealings with third‑party property owners across its managed and franchised portfolio, from deal origination through lifecycle. The role covers risk, compliance and contracting across the business.

You will draft and negotiate hotel management, franchise and branded residence agreements, advise on regulatory matters, and coordinate cross‑border advice with external counsel as needed.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with a law degree and admission to practice in a common law jurisdiction.
• 6–12 years PQE in leading firm or in‑house with focus on commercial transactions.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Interest in hotel management, franchise or branded residences.
• Ability to coordinate cross-border advice across jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate hotel management, franchise, branded residence and related agreements.
• Review owner‑side leases, guarantees, facility agreements and financing docs.
• Advise on legal and commercial risk in owner negotiations.
• Support lifecycle of owner relationships from pre‑contract to termination.
• Coordinate with internal teams on budgets, capex, branding and programs.
• Assist with regulatory compliance and data protection.
• Contribute to standard form agreements and playbooks.
• Support corporate projects and transactions, incl. due diligence.
• Manage disputes with owners and liaise with external counsel.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-border coordination

Education

Law degree

Admission to practice in common law jurisdiction

Job description

Overview

Banyan Group is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design‑led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 90 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

The Role

This role is responsible for providing legal support for all dealings with third‑party property owners across Banyan Group’s managed and franchised portfolio, from deal origination through the lifecycle of each hotel or branded residence project. In addition, the counsel will support general in‑house corporate and commercial matters for the Group, helping manage legal risk, compliance and day‑to‑day contracting across the business.

Job Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate hotel management, franchise, branded residence, technical services and related agreements with property owners, investors and their lenders, including amendments, side letters and term extensions.
• Review, draft and negotiate owner‑side documentation such as consent letters, leases, guarantees, facility agreements and other hotel‑related real estate and financing documents.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal and commercial risk in owner‑facing negotiations, including fee structures, performance clauses, key money, territorial restrictions, brand standards, FF&E, capex and refurbishment obligations.
• Support the full lifecycle of owner relationships and business development: pre‑contract structuring, deal approvals, openings, operating period issues, performance/term tests, restructurings, workouts, sales, conversions and terminations.
• Facilitate ongoing operational dealings with owners and the business development team, including approvals for budgets, capex, branding, mixed‑use and rental programmes, shared facilities, sales of units, strata/fractional arrangements and other owner requests for consent.
• Assist in managing owner disputes and contentious issues (e.g. fee challenges, performance disputes, default/termination scenarios), working with external counsel as needed.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of standard form agreements, playbooks, guidance notes and self‑service tools for owner‑facing documents and processes.
• Assist with regulatory and compliance matters relevant to the hospitality business (e.g. licensing, data protection, marketing/promotions, anti‑bribery, sanctions).
• Contribute to legal input on corporate projects and transactions (e.g. group reorganisations, joint ventures, minority investments, M&A), including coordinating due diligence and assisting with transaction documentation and approvals as needed.
• Help design, implement and maintain internal legal and contracting processes, policies and templates to improve efficiency, compliance and risk management across the Group.

Requirements

• Law degree from a reputable university and admission to practice in a common law jurisdiction (e.g. Singapore, England & Wales, Australia or equivalent).
• Approximately 6 – 12 years’ post‑qualification experience in a leading law firm and/or in‑house, with a focus on commercial transactions; experience in hospitality, real estate, projects or franchise is preferred.
• Solid experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements and providing clear, concise legal advice to business stakeholders.
• Strong interest in building expertise in hotel management, franchise, branded residences or similar long‑term operating agreements.
• Comfortable working with cross‑border matters and coordinating advice across multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.

Skills And Attributes

• Strong contract drafting, negotiation and analytical skills, with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non‑lawyers.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build trusted relationships with business partners and external counterparties while maintaining appropriate safeguards for the Group.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple matters concurrently in a fast‑paced, international environment, with sound judgment in prioritisation.
• Self‑motivated, pragmatic and solutions‑oriented, with a strong sense of ownership, professional ethics and commitment to the Group’s values.