Director of Legal Affairs and Employee Relations in Orlando, Florida at Margaritaville

IMCMV is seeking a Director of Legal Affairs & Employee Relations to oversee and manage legal matters, employee relations, and labor relations for the company's operations across the United States. This role is responsible for managing legal risks, advising and guiding restaurant and corporate leaders on employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws, and conducting workplace investigations. The position serves as the primary internal legal resource and liaison to outside counsel, supporting litigation and legal processes without representing the company in court proceedings. The ideal candidate will also oversee contract management, liquor licensing, and support the CEO with lease agreements and business transactions. This is an excellent opportunity to grow personally and professionally within a growing hospitality organization.

Position Description:

Litigation Management and Risk Management:

• Support and coordinate with external counsel on all litigation matters, ensuring alignment with company interests and strategic objectives. This role serves as the internal liaison to outside counsel and does not involve representing the company in court proceedings.
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to mitigate legal risks associated with the company's operations, including regulatory compliance and liability issues.
• Manage the internal coordination of legal disputes, including employee-related claims, customer complaints, and business-related litigation, working in partnership with external counsel throughout the process.

Contract Management:

• Oversee the drafting and reviewing of contracts with suppliers, vendors, and third parties to ensure favorable terms and legal protection for the company.
• Ensure all contractual agreements comply with applicable laws and align with the company's strategic objectives.
• Manage contractual disputes and work closely with external counsel when needed.

Real Estate and Business Transaction:

• Support the CEO with the revision and management of lease agreements and amendments.
• Review and advise on lease renewals and new location agreements to ensure favorable terms and legal protection.
• Support business transactions, acquisitions, and venue-related legal matters as directed by the CEO.

Employee and Labor Relations:

• Provide direct advisory support to General Managers and venue leadership on day-to-day employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and grievance resolution.
• Provide guidance and strategic advice to restaurant and corporate leadership on employee relations matters, ensuring consistent application of company policies.
• Investigate and resolve employee complaints, grievances, and workplace disputes, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and training programs to promote positive employee relations and compliance with labor regulations.
• Act as the primary liaison for labor relations, including handling collective bargaining agreements, union negotiations, and grievances.

Legal Compliance and Employment Law:

• Advise on labor and employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination laws, workplace safety, and other compliance requirements.
• Monitor changes in labor laws and regulations, updating policies and practices accordingly to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support venue-level liquor license applications, renewals, transfers, and regulatory compliance in applicable jurisdictions.
• Conduct training for management and staff on employment law, workplace harassment, and other relevant compliance topics.

Skills/Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in employment law, labor relations, and general corporate legal matters, preferably in the hospitality or restaurant industry.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws, including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, and NLRA.
• Experience in handling workplace investigations, employee disputes, and compliance training.
• Strong contract negotiation, drafting, and management skills.
• Experience in litigation management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of real estate transactions, lease negotiations, and liquor licensing a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively across various departments and locations while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Educational Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state or territory; eligibility for Florida Authorized House Counsel registration required if not Florida Bar admitted.

Other:

• Frequent travel to restaurant venues and other company locations is required.

The characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to read and analyze legal documents, contracts, and computer screens.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and external parties.

Work Environment:

• This is a full-time, in-person position based at the IMCMV corporate office in Orlando, Florida.
• Primarily works in a professional office environment with regular use of computers, printers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.