Vice President, Franchise & International Legal

Wingstop•Dallas, TX

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The VP, Franchise & International Legal leads the legal strategy supporting Wingstop's domestic franchise system and international growth. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this leader will provide practical, forward-looking counsel that enables disciplined expansion, protects the brand, strengthens Brand Partner relationships, and manages legal and regulatory risk across a highly franchised business. This is a hands-on, player-coach role: the VP will personally lead priority franchise and international matters while building a scalable process and operating model. This role will serve as the primary legal partner to Franchise Development, International, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, Technology, and other business leaders on franchise and cross-border matters. The VP will combine deep franchise expertise with sound commercial judgment, translating legal requirements into scalable solutions that support Wingstop's growth while maintaining appropriate standards, controls, and accountability.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
12+ years of progressive legal experience, including significant experience advising franchisors and substantial in-house or embedded business-partner experience; experience with a restaurant, QSR, hospitality, retail, consumer, or other highly franchised global brand is strongly preferred.
Deep knowledge of U.S. franchise law and regulation, including franchise disclosure, registration, development agreements, franchise agreements, relationship laws, transfers, renewals, defaults, and terminations.
Demonstrated experience supporting international franchising, master franchise or territory development arrangements, cross-border transactions, market entry, and the practical management of local counsel and legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to understand growth objectives, evaluate business tradeoffs, and provide clear, risk-based recommendations rather than purely technical legal advice.
Working knowledge of international regulatory issues such as anti-bribery, sanctions, competition, consumer protection, data privacy, intellectual property, and cross-border contracting, with the judgment to engage specialists when needed.
Proven ability to lead complex negotiations, resolve sensitive franchise relationship matters, and influence executives and cross-functional leaders in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.
Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing legal talent, managing outside counsel, and building effective partnerships across cultures, functions, and geographies.
Commitment to scalable, technology-enabled legal delivery, including standardized processes, reusable content, workflow automation, data-informed decision-making, and responsible use of AI.
Excellent written and verbal communication, executive presence, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Responsibilities

Set and lead the legal strategy for Wingstop's domestic franchise system and international expansion, including market-entry assessment and franchise-model strategy, aligning legal priorities with the company's growth strategy, risk appetite, and operating model.
Advise on the full lifecycle of domestic franchise relationships, including franchise disclosure documents, franchise and area development agreements, transfers, renewals, restructurings, defaults, terminations, and other franchise system matters.
Lead the legal work for international market entry and growth, including market-entry assessments, master franchise and territory development agreements, strategic development structures, partner due diligence, cross-border negotiations, market-specific legal requirements, and hands-on management of local counsel.
Partner with Franchise Development, International, Operations, Finance, Tax, Supply Chain, Marketing, Technology, and other teams to structure commercially sound solutions and identify legal implications early in business planning and decision-making.
Establish a consistent, risk-based approach to franchise governance and enforcement, including development obligations, brand standards consistent with enterprise intellectual property strategy, quality controls, contractual remedies, and responsible management of Brand Partner issues.
Advise on international regulatory and compliance considerations, including competition, consumer protection, advertising, data privacy, intellectual property, and other cross-border requirements; coordinate with the appropriate Legal and Compliance leaders on global anti-bribery, sanctions, and related compliance-program matters, and with subject-matter experts and local counsel as needed.
Lead relationship strategy, remediation, and business resolution for franchise and international disputes through clear agreements, disciplined documentation, early issue resolution, and practical counseling; partner with the VP, Legal - Commercial on litigation, investigations, preservation, insurance coordination, and formal dispute strategy.
Partner with Legal Operations to build scalable playbooks, templates, approval standards, knowledge resources, self-service tools, and technology-enabled workflows that improve consistency, speed, and visibility across recurring franchise and international work.
Lead and develop assigned legal professionals and manage external and local counsel to deliver coordinated, high-quality, and cost-effective legal support across jurisdictions.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees
One paid volunteer day of your choice
Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles
Team member stock purchase plan
Health savings or flexible spending account options
401k – (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation)
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
Basic life and AD&D insurance provided
Pet insurance
Education Assistance
Wellness reimbursement program
Paid maternity and paternity leave
Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office
Discount on Wingstop gift cards
Onsite game room