Assistant Legal Manager: Contracts, Risk & Compliance

SMEC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

SMEC South Africa is seeking an Assistant Legal Manager/Associate based in Johannesburg. The role provides specialist legal advice, drafts and negotiates commercial agreements, and guides procurement documents to mitigate risk.

You will support the SA business, manage contract reviews, assist with debt collections and commercial litigation, and ensure compliance with SMEC policies and governance standards. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with LLB or equivalent and Attorney Certification.
• 3–4 years PQE in related field.
• Experience drafting and negotiating engineering design, consultancy and construction contracts.
• Experience with FIDIC and IFI-funded infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Review contracts to ensure commercial and legal compliance.
• Lead or assist in contract negotiations for vendor, NDAs, and related contracts.
• Assist with debt collection and commercial litigation matters.
• Provide general legal advice and draft legal notices.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

LLB or equivalent

Attorney Certification

Tools

PowerPoint

MS Excel

Job description

SMEC South Africa is seeking an Assistant Legal Manager/Associate based in Johannesburg. The role provides specialist legal advice, drafts and negotiates commercial agreements, and guides procurement documents to mitigate risk.

You will support the SA business, manage contract reviews, assist with debt collections and commercial litigation, and ensure compliance with SMEC policies and governance standards. Travel may be required.