Senior Manager - Legal Counsel

About the job

Who we are?

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world's most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Job Summary

The Senior Manager – Legal will be responsible for overseeing HR and labor-related cases within GCC jurisdictions and managing litigation matters across the Group, with a particular focus. This role will serve as a strategic advisor to the HR and business teams on employee-related legal risks and regulatory compliance. The incumbent will handle labor disputes, investigations, negotiations, and court proceedings in coordination with external counsel where necessary. A deep understanding of local labor laws (especially in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and other GCC markets) is essential, as is the ability to draft, review, and interpret employment-related legal documents. The person should have experience in drafting commercial contracts, plaints and conversant with court procedures The role also contributes to legal risk management and policy development to protect the Group’s legal standing and reputation.

Accountabilities

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead all labor and employment litigation and dispute resolution matters across the GCC.

• Represent the company in labor court proceedings and liaise with external counsel when required.

• Provide expert legal advice and risk assessments related to HR policies, terminations, disciplinary actions, grievances, employment contracts, and labor disputes.

• Draft legal documents, pleadings, and statements related to ongoing cases or claims.

• Develop and enforce legal strategies to defend the Group’s interests across multiple jurisdictions. • Build strong working relationships with HR, Government Affairs, and business leaders to ensure alignment and compliance.

• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and employment regulations in each operational market. • Maintain and update legal precedents, case databases, and litigation trackers.

•Proactively monitor regulatory changes and communicate legal implications to relevant stakeholders. Conversant with court proceedings.

• Manage labor litigation at appellate and cassation levels, ensuring strong legal positioning for escalated cases. Coordinate with senior counsel on complex or high stakes matters, ensuring strategic alignment at each level of jurisdiction.

• Lead mediation and arbitration efforts to resolve labor disputes amicably and efficiently, minimizing exposure to formal litigation.

• Draft and negotiate settlement agreements in coordination with internal stakeholders and external mediators.

• Oversee legal aspects of internal investigations related to employee grievances, misconduct, or whistleblower claims to support defensible legal positions.

• Prepare litigation readiness frameworks, including evidence preservation, witness coordination, and pre-litigation documentation standards.

Job Requirements

• Strong knowledge of GCC labor laws and legal frameworks, particularly UAE, KSA, Qatar.

• Litigation strategy and case management.

• Contract drafting and legal interpretation.

• Legal risk assessment and mitigation.

• Negotiation and dispute resolution.

• Legal research and regulatory analysis.

• Proficiency in managing and coordinating with external counsel.

• Court representation and documentation management.

• Appeals and cassation procedures (experience handling higher court matters) Case law monitoring and precedent tracking

• Internal investigations related to litigation matters | Drafting settlement agreements and consent orders

• Litigation budgeting and cost control Crisis management and reputational risk mitigation during litigation

• Litigation reporting dashboards for executive leadership

Why Join GMG?

At GMG, we're dedicated to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging work environment that promotes growth, innovation, and well-being. Join us in our mission to inspire victories that make the world better – for our team, our consumers, and our communities.

If you're seeking a challenging role where you can make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become a part of our journey.

What we offer?

• An opportunity to become part of diverse teams with international exposure
• Comprehensive family medical insurance
• Family residency sponsorship and flight allowances
• Up to 30% discount in our premium retail sports brand stores
• Up to 20% discount in our pharmacy chain