General Counsel

WHO WE ARE 

Known best as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports reigns supreme as one of the biggest and best global Sports Fashion brands across footwear and apparel. 

Founded in 1981 in Greater Manchester UK, JD Group has achieved remarkable growth through rapid global expansion, now standing as the leading global sports fashion retailer. With over 3,400 stores worldwide, we strive to inspire the emerging generation through a captivating connection to the universal culture of Sport, Music, and Fashion. 

In 2017, JD Sports first launched within the Australian market and has since expanded to 60+ stores. We currently operate in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA & TAS, with plans for continued future growth. Our mission is to offer unparalleled service and style to all our consumers. 

Working at JD Sports is a state of mind, an attitude and way of challenging the norm. We do not conform; we create our own path and are elite within our field. And now, we’re seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team. 

THE ROLE 

JD Sports is seeking a meticulous and experienced General Counsel to join our Legal team in Sydney. In this role, you will act as a key advisor, providing legal, governance, risk, and compliance support across JD Sports' operations in Australia and New Zealand. This role focuses on property law, employee relation, ESG initiatives, and corporate governance, while collaborating with our Global Legal teams and key stakeholders to ensure regulatory excellence and drive sustainable business practices. 

Reporting into the Chief Financial & Operating Officer APAC & Company Secretary, this role will be responsible for, but not limited to: 

Employment Relations

• Advise the business on all legislative changes to employment relations and awards
• Advice on grievance matters
• Ensure overall compliance

Property Law and Contracts 

• Advise on all property-related legal matters, including lease negotiations, renewals, acquisitions, and disposals 
• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of property agreements to support operational growth and expansion 
• Ensure compliance with property laws and mitigate risks across the retail store portfolio 

ESG Compliance and Strategy 

• Provide legal guidance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, ensuring alignment with global best practices and local legislation 
• Support key compliance programs, such as modern slavery, sustainability reporting, and ethical business frameworks 
• Partner with internal stakeholders to integrate ESG principles into operations and reporting 

Corporate Governance 

• Develop, implement, and oversee governance frameworks, policies, and programs to ensure legal and regulatory compliance 
• Advise the Board and Senior Leadership Team on governance matters and evolving legislative changes 
• Collaborate with the JD Sports Group Legal team on global governance and regulatory initiatives 

Commercial and Operational Legal Support 

• Offer practical and commercially focused legal advice across areas such as consumer law, intellectual property, employment law, promotions, and data protection 
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, marketing, and software licensing agreements 
• Provide guidance on privacy, data security, and IT-related compliance matters 

Disputes and Risk Management 

• Manage and resolve legal disputes, regulatory issues, and compliance risks effectively 
• Identify emerging legal risks and implement proactive solutions to mitigate business impact 
• Lead investigations and develop recommendations for policy updates to strengthen risk controls 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Partner with senior leaders across Marketing, Multi-Channel, Property, Projects, and People teams to deliver clear, actionable legal counsel 
• Build strong relationships with external legal counsel, regulatory bodies, and JD Sports' global teams to align legal and governance strategies 

WHO YOU ARE  

• Minimum 8+ years’ experience, ideally within the retail, property, or commercial sectors in a similar role 
• Combined Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM) or Juris Doctor (JD) with strong academic credentials 
• Proven expertise in property law, lease management, and real estate transactions 
• Demonstrated experience in ESG legal compliance and governance frameworks 
• Strong commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills 
• Familiarity with ANZ regulatory and legislative environments 
• Experience partnering with senior leadership and managing external legal counsel 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? 

• Monthly culture committee events  
• Central CBD location  
• Pre-pay day lunches  
• Birthday leave  
• Competitive Salary  
• One month paid parental leave  
• Referral bonus scheme  
• Training and development to evolve and shape your career   
• Opportunity to progress across all areas of the business including Retail, Support Office and our Distribution Centre   
• Treat yourself with our attractive staff discount! This can also be used for friends and family   
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program & Mental Health champions  

We are passionate about connecting with driven and skilled individuals who are invested in their development, so that together we can evolve our brand's success, alongside evolving your career.  

JD values diversity and inclusion and champions a culture where everyone feels, valued, included, and celebrated.  

What are you waiting for? Apply today and kick start your JD Sports Journey. 

Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.