Legal Counsel - Contracts & Commercial

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24, East London-based manufacturing group, seeks an experienced Legal Counsel specializing in contracts and commercial law. You will draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and provide strategic legal guidance to procurement, sales, and management.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and corporate governance. You will collaborate with business leaders to support growth while ensuring legal integrity across multiple

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court.
• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience in commercial law with contract drafting and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including sales, supply, service, and partnership agreements.
• Advise on contract interpretation, risk allocation, and dispute resolution strategies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable commercial laws and regulations.
• Support procurement and sales teams with contract-related queries and negotiations.
• Provide legal counsel on general corporate and commercial matters.
• Develop and implement contract management policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with external counsel as needed.
• Review marketing and advertising materials for legal compliance.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Commercial law

Legal research

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

LLB

Admission as Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a diversified manufacturing group with significant operations in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a skilled and proactive Legal Counsel specializing in Contracts and Commercial Law. This role is integral to supporting the company's commercial activities, ensuring legal compliance, and mitigating contractual risks across its various business units. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, including supply agreements, service contracts, distribution agreements, and procurement contracts. You will also provide legal advice on general commercial matters, corporate governance, and dispute resolution. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you will collaborate closely with business leaders, procurement teams, and sales departments. The company is committed to operational excellence and sustainable growth, making this an exciting opportunity for a legal professional to make a tangible contribution. Join our legal department in East London and be part of a leading industrial player.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including sales, supply, service, and partnership agreements.
• Advise on contract interpretation, risk allocation, and dispute resolution strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant commercial laws and regulations.
• Support procurement and sales teams with contract-related queries and negotiations.
• Provide legal counsel on general corporate and commercial matters.
• Assist with the development and implementation of contract management policies and procedures.
• Conduct legal research on issues impacting the commercial operations of the business.
• Manage and coordinate with external legal counsel when necessary.
• Review marketing and advertising materials for legal compliance.
• Contribute to risk management initiatives related to contractual obligations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in commercial law, with a strong emphasis on contract drafting and negotiation.
• Proven experience in reviewing and advising on various types of commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African contract law and commercial legal principles.
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector is advantageous.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Proactive, business-minded, and results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's experience.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund membership.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Exposure to a wide range of commercial transactions within a dynamic industry.
• A collaborative work environment in East London .