Commercial Legal Advisor - Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Profit sharing potential

Study leave support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Commercial Legal Advisor in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to provide expert guidance on commercial contracts, IP, supply chain, and corporate matters. The role demands close collaboration with procurement, sales, and operations to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

The ideal candidate is admitted as an Attorney in South Africa with at least 6 years post-qualification experience, strong commercial acumen, and proven negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 6+ years post-qualification experience.
• Strong emphasis on commercial law and contract negotiation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property law, competition law, and corporate governance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-legal professionals.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial agreements, including supply, distribution, service, and joint venture agreements.
• Advise business teams on legal implications of transactions, risk management, and contract interpretation.
• Oversee management of intellectual property portfolios, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
• Ensure compliance with legislation such as consumer protection, competition, and data privacy regulations.
• Support procurement and sales teams in contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and provide opinions on various commercial and corporate issues.
• Assist in corporate governance matters and regulatory filings.
• Manage external legal counsel for specialized advice or litigation support.
• Develop and implement legal training programs for business stakeholders.
• Contribute to improvement of legal processes and contract management systems.

Skills

Commercial law

Contract negotiation

Legal drafting

Legal research

Intellectual property

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the manufacturing sector renowned for its innovative products, is seeking a highly competent Commercial Legal Advisor. This role, situated in Vereeniging, Gauteng, will be integral to providing expert legal counsel on commercial contracts, supply chain agreements, intellectual property, and general corporate matters. You will work closely with various business units, including procurement, sales, and operations, to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks. The ideal candidate possesses a sharp intellect, strong commercial acumen, and a proven ability to navigate complex legal landscapes within a dynamic industry. This is a superb opportunity to contribute to a well-established company and play a pivotal role in its operational and strategic success. The position requires dedicated, office-based presence in Vereeniging to foster immediate collaboration and integration with the operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial agreements, including supply agreements, distribution agreements, service agreements, and joint venture agreements.
• Advise business teams on legal implications of commercial transactions, risk management, and contract interpretation.
• Oversee the management of intellectual property portfolios, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including consumer protection, competition law, and data privacy regulations.
• Support procurement and sales teams in contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and provide opinions on various commercial and corporate legal issues.
• Assist in corporate governance matters and regulatory filings.
• Manage external legal counsel when required for specialized advice or litigation support.
• Develop and implement legal training programs for business stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and contract management systems.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong emphasis on commercial law and contract negotiation.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property law, competition law, and corporate governance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and meet demanding deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Proficiency in legal research and standard office software.
• Experience within the manufacturing or industrial sector is highly desirable for this Vereeniging-based role.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.
• Employees are provided with opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement within the organization.
• We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment within our Vereeniging, Gauteng office.
• The company values its employees and invests in their growth and well-being.
• Enjoy a challenging yet rewarding role with significant impact on the business.
• Additional benefits include potential for profit sharing and study leave support.
• This position is vital for maintaining the legal integrity and operational efficiency of our manufacturing and supply chain activities in Gauteng, South Africa.