Commercial Contracts Lawyer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Generous leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Career growth in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Commercial Contracts Lawyer to strengthen its in-house legal team. You will draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements and advise on risks to support operations across business units.

The ideal candidate holds an LLB, is admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa, with at least five years’ experience in commercial contract law, and demonstrates strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized SA university.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum 5 years in commercial contract law.
• Proven drafting and negotiating of commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial transactions.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy.
• Experience in manufacturing or logistics is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements (supply, service, distribution, partnerships).
• Advise stakeholders on terms, risks, and obligations.
• Ensure contracts align with policies, laws and objectives.
• Manage contract lifecycles from initiation to renewal.
• Support procurement, sales, and marketing activities.
• Develop and implement contract management systems and best practices.
• Conduct legal research on commercial law and disputes.
• Liaise with external counsel when specialized advice is needed.
• Identify legal risks arising from contracts.
• Keep knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards up to date.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Legal research

Business software

Education

LLB

Admitted SA Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading industrial conglomerate with significant operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an adept Commercial Contracts Lawyer to strengthen its in-house legal department. This role is critical in managing the extensive portfolio of commercial agreements that underpin the company's diverse business activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of contracts, ensuring legal compliance and mitigating commercial risks. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work closely with various business units, providing strategic legal advice that supports operational goals and fosters robust business relationships. We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded lawyer who can navigate complex contractual landscapes effectively. The firm emphasizes a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and contributing to the economic vitality of Durban and the surrounding region. This role is perfectly suited for an individual eager to make a tangible impact in a dynamic corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including supply, service, distribution, and partnership agreements.
• Advise business stakeholders on contractual terms, risks, and obligations.
• Ensure all contracts align with company policies, legal requirements, and commercial objectives.
• Manage contract lifecycles, from initiation and negotiation to execution and renewal.
• Provide legal support for procurement, sales, and marketing activities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of contract management systems and best practices.
• Conduct legal research on matters related to commercial law and contract disputes.
• Liaise with external counsel when specialized legal advice or litigation support is required.
• Identify and advise on potential legal risks and liabilities arising from contractual arrangements.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards impacting commercial contracts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized South African university.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in commercial contract law, either in private practice or in-house.
• Proven expertise in drafting and negotiating various types of commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract law principles, commercial transactions, and related legislation.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in legal research and standard business software.
• Commercial acumen and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Experience in the manufacturing or logistics sectors is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, reflecting your expertise.
• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging commercial transactions.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment in Durban .
• Access to modern facilities and resources.
• Career growth opportunities within a leading organization.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.