Commercial Legal Advisor

Ability Executive Recruitment; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Legal Advisor to provide expert legal support across procurement and facilities management. This role requires a deep understanding of commercial law and excellent negotiation skills. The successful candidate will manage complex legal issues, draft and review contracts, and ensure compliance with relevant laws. You will also play a strategic role in minimizing risks and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Join a dynamic team where your legal expertise will directly impact business objectives and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years experience in commercial law focusing on procurement and leasing.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to procurement and facilities management.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with laws.

Skills

Commercial Law Expertise

Negotiation Skills

Risk Management

Dispute Resolution

Compliance Knowledge

Contract Management

Education

LB degree or equivalent legal qualification

Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa

Job description

We are looking for a Commercial Legal Advisor to provide expert legal advice and support to our procurement leasing facilities management and maintenance departments. This role requires a deep understanding of commercial law, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex legal issues. The successful candidate will also play a strategic role in minimising risks, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and aligning legal strategies with business goals.

DUTIES

Legal Support:

1. Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to the procurement leasing facilities management and maintenance departments.
2. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including procurement agreements, lease agreements, service contracts, and maintenance agreements.
3. Ensure contracts reflect current business objectives while minimising exposure to disputes and managing contract life cycles.
4. Ensure all contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies.
5. Manage and assist with property acquisitions and disposals including drafting agreements and legal opinions.
6. Implement systems for monitoring contract life cycles, proactively managing renewal periods and mitigating contractual gaps.
7. Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with procurement leasing, facilities management, and maintenance activities.
8. Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the company’s interests.
9. Create risk assessment protocols and lead initiatives to continuously improve contractual processes.

Oversee dispute resolution efforts including negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations, minimizing reliance on external legal counsel.

Compliance:

Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations including commercial contract and property law.

1. Monitor changes in legislation and advise on their impact on the company’s operations.
2. Lead the development, implementation, and enforcement of legal policies, procedures, and guidelines across the organisation.
3. Ensure the business remains compliant with applicable legal standards and regulatory changes.

Manage and resolve disputes related to procurement leasing, facilities management, and maintenance.

Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and if necessary, litigation.

1. Minimise reliance on external legal counsel with a focus on internal legal management of disputes.

Training and Development:

1. Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on legal issues and best practices.
2. Stay updated on legal developments and share knowledge with the team.
3. Mentor and guide junior legal staff promoting continuous learning and development.
4. Deliver regular legal updates and training to other departments ensuring alignment on legal matters across business units.
5. Collaborate with business units to proactively identify legal challenges and develop strategies that align with broader commercial objectives.
6. Provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership and ensure legal strategies are aligned with evolving business priorities.
7. Implement technology-driven solutions for contract management and automation to enhance efficiency.

Stakeholder Management:

1. Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel to ensure smooth legal operations and effective communication.
2. Regularly update senior management on potential legal risks, ongoing disputes, and evolving regulations impacting the company.

Requirements:

1. LB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
2. Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
3. Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in commercial law with a focus on procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance.

Key Skills: