Senior Commercial Contracts Lawyer

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Our client in East London seeks a Senior Commercial Contracts Lawyer to lead the company’s commercial agreements, advise stakeholders on contractual terms, and mitigate risks across supply chain and partnerships.

The role requires a strong background in contract and corporate law, meticulous drafting, and the ability to manage the contract lifecycle in a busy business environment.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in commercial contract law.
• Proven drafting, negotiating and managing complex commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract and corporate law and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with contract management systems and legal research tools.
• Experience in East London business community is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a diverse range of commercial contracts (supplier, customer, SLAs, partnerships).
• Provide expert legal advice on contractual terms, obligations and risks.
• Ensure contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations and policies.
• Manage contract lifecycle from execution to storage and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, operations and finance to align legal support.
• Identify legal risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Conduct legal research on commercial law and disputes.
• Develop standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commercial law and industry practices.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract drafting

Legal research

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project management

Education

LLB

Admission as attorney/advocate (SA)

Tools

Contract management systems

Legal research tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the automotive and logistics sector based in East London , is seeking a dedicated Senior Commercial Contracts Lawyer to enhance their legal department. This role is pivotal in managing the company's extensive portfolio of commercial agreements, ensuring legal compliance, and mitigating risks associated with business operations. The Senior Commercial Contracts Lawyer will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts critical to the company's supply chain, partnerships, and service delivery. This position requires a meticulous and experienced legal professional to support the ongoing growth and operational efficiency of the business in East London . The role is primarily office-based to ensure close collaboration with key business units and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a diverse range of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, customer contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and partnership agreements.
• Provide expert legal advice to business stakeholders on contractual terms, obligations, and potential risks.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant South African laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, including ensuring proper execution, storage, and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborate effectively with procurement, sales, operations, and finance departments to align legal support with business needs.
• Identify and advise on legal risks associated with commercial agreements and propose mitigation strategies.
• Conduct legal research on issues related to commercial law and contract disputes.
• Assist in developing and implementing standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commercial law and industry best practices relevant to operations in East London .

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience specifically focused on commercial contract law, preferably within a corporate environment or a law firm with a strong commercial practice.
• Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial agreements.
• Thorough understanding of contract law, corporate law, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management systems.
• Experience working within the East London legal and business community is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous legal education.
• Exposure to significant commercial transactions within the automotive and logistics sectors.
• A supportive and professional work environment in East London .
• Access to modern office facilities and legal resources.
• Potential for career progression within the organization.