Senior Legal Advisor

Role Overview

Senior Legal Advisor – Major Projects & Corporate at Retal, serving as primary legal architect for the organization's multi-billion SAR portfolio.

Role Purpose

Act as lead advisor on strategic transactions, owning the legal lifecycle of complex mixed-use developments from inception to operation. Serve as the legal bridge between investment ambitions and operational reality, ensuring robust commercial protection across hotel, sports club, and residential assets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Transactions & Structuring

• Own the legal lifecycle of complex mixed-use developments from inception to operation.
• Structure Joint Ventures and strategic partnerships aligned with long-term strategic vision.
• Negotiate Development Management Agreements (DMAs) and strategic transaction terms.
• Draft and finalize critical commercial frameworks including MOUs, Heads of Terms, Club Management Agreements, and FIDIC-based construction suites.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations with international operators and partners under tight deadlines.

Construction & Project Management

• Oversee execution of high-value construction, hospitality, and sports facility contracts.
• Manage both contentious and non-contentious construction matters.
• Demonstrate mastery of FIDIC suites and Development Management Agreements.

Corporate Governance & Risk Management

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across the portfolio.
• Manage corporate governance of project subsidiaries.
• Translate legal exposure into financial impact for the C-Suite and Investment Committee.
• Ensure every agreement protects organizational interests for long-term viability.

Operational Agreements

• Draft and negotiate Operational Agreements for specialized assets.
• Manage Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and Sports Club/Facility Management Agreements.
• Structure Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for high-value strategic partnerships.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university; LLM is a distinct advantage.
• Licensed to practice law; Saudi Bar License is highly preferred; international qualifications with significant KSA real estate experience will be considered.
• 7+ years of Post-Qualification Experience (PQE).
• Proven track record within a Major Real Estate Developer or Top-Tier Law Firm (Construction, Projects, or Real Estate practice).

Skills & Competencies

• Mastery of FIDIC suites and Development Management Agreements (DMAs).
• Deep experience drafting and negotiating Operational Agreements for specialized assets.
• Strong capability in structuring Joint Ventures (JVs), Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and MOUs.
• Commercial acumen to identify risk and translate legal exposure into financial impact.
• Strategic negotiation ability with proven success leading high-stakes negotiations.
• Resilience and ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with agility and detail-orientation.
• Native-level proficiency in Arabic and English, specifically in Legal Drafting and Negotiation.