About this role
The Corporate Counsel, Yum Strategy and Automation provides legal counsel and strategic support for complex commercial transactions, technology and innovation initiatives, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), refranchising transactions, and global strategic partnerships across Yum! Brands and its operating subsidiaries. This role partners closely with the Yum! Strategy team, including Automation, M&A, and Global Partnerships, to structure, negotiate, and execute agreements that enable business growth and innovation. Working alongside senior Legal leaders and cross-functional stakeholders across Strategy, Finance, Operations, and Technology, the Corporate Counsel will navigate legal and commercial complexities, mitigate risk, and deliver practical, business-oriented solutions that advance Yum!’s global priorities.
Strategic Transactions & Commercial Contracting
- Provide legal counsel to the Yum! Strategy team, including Automation, M&A, and Global Partnerships, on strategic transactions, commercial arrangements, and business initiatives.
- Support the structuring, negotiation, drafting, and execution of commercial agreements, including master services agreements, SaaS and technology licensing agreements, intellectual property agreements, pilot and evaluation agreements, and nondisclosure agreements.
- Serve as primary or supporting counsel on M&A and refranchising transactions, including purchase and sale agreements, ancillary transaction documents, and related real estate matters.
- Partner with senior Legal leaders on complex negotiations, coordinating with counterparties and outside counsel to address legal risks and advance business objectives.
Technology, Innovation & Global Partnerships
- Advise on strategic technology, automation, and innovation initiatives, providing legal support for commercial arrangements, technology solutions, and emerging business opportunities.
- Support the development and execution of global strategic partnerships, including relationships with delivery aggregators and other third-party partners.
- Identify and assess legal and contractual considerations associated with new technologies, business models, and strategic initiatives, partnering with relevant Legal specialists as needed.
Legal Risk Management & Cross-Functional Partnership
- Provide practical, business-focused legal guidance to internal stakeholders, identifying risks, evaluating alternatives, and recommending solutions that balance legal requirements with business priorities.
- Build strong relationships across Legal, Strategy, M&A, Finance, Operations, and Technology to facilitate alignment and support timely business decisions.
- Coordinate with internal subject-matter experts and outside legal counsel on matters requiring specialized expertise, ensuring effective communication and resolution of legal issues.
- Manage contracting processes and transaction documentation, maintaining organization, accuracy, and timely execution across multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in the Texas State Bar or another U.S. State Bar.
- 3+ years of legal experience within a law firm or in-house legal department, with experience advising on corporate and commercial transactions.
- Strong knowledge of corporate and contract law, including experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements.
- Experience working with business stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple transactions, competing priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced business environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience advising on technology, SaaS, intellectual property licensing, or other technology-related commercial transactions.
- Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, refranchising, or other corporate transactions.
- Familiarity with real estate due diligence, including title, lease, and environmental reviews.
- Experience supporting strategic partnerships, particularly within global, consumer-facing, restaurant, or technology-enabled businesses.
- Experience working within a large, complex, or multinational organization.
Salary Range: $125,000 to $147,200 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.