Commercial Legal Advisor

We are looking for a Commercial Legal Advisor to provide expert legal advice and support to our procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance departments.

Role Requirements

This role requires a deep understanding of commercial law, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex legal issues. The successful candidate will play a strategic role in minimizing risks, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and aligning legal strategies with business goals.

Key Duties

1. Legal Support: Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to relevant 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 minimizing disputes and managing contract life cycles.
4. Ensure all contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies.
5. Manage property acquisitions and disposals, including drafting agreements and legal opinions.
6. Implement systems for monitoring contract life cycles, proactively managing renewals, 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. Oversee dispute resolution efforts, including negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations, to minimize reliance on external legal counsel.
10. Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, monitor legislative changes, and advise on their impact.
11. Lead development and enforcement of legal policies, procedures, and guidelines.
12. Manage and resolve disputes related to procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance.
13. Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and litigation as needed.
14. Minimize reliance on external legal counsel by managing internal legal matters effectively.
15. Training and Development: Provide legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders, stay updated on legal developments, and mentor junior legal staff.
16. Deliver legal updates and collaborate with business units to identify legal challenges and develop aligned strategies.
17. Implement technology-driven solutions for contract management and automation.
18. Stakeholder Management: Build relationships with internal stakeholders and external counsel, and keep management informed of legal risks and disputes.

Requirements

• Legal qualification (LB degree or equivalent) and admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• 7-10 years of experience in commercial law, focusing on procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance.