Compliance Manager / Legal Counsel

Fermel; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading compliance and legal consultancy in South Africa is seeking a Compliance Manager / Legal Counsel to ensure adherence to regulatory standards. This role involves implementing compliance frameworks, providing legal support on corporate matters, and managing compliance audits. Ideal candidates will hold an LLB and have 5-8 years of relevant experience in a regulated industry. Strong knowledge of South African law is essential. The position is located in Germiston, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in a legal and/or compliance role, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Proven track record in designing and managing compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain the compliance framework in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments.
• Provide legal advice on corporate law, contracts, and data protection.

Skills

Strong knowledge of South African legal and regulatory environment

Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills

Strong ethical standards and integrity

Effective communicator

Attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Discretion in handling confidential information

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Postgraduate qualification in Compliance Management

Job description

Job title : Compliance Manager / Legal Counsel

Job Location: Gauteng, Germiston

Deadline: September 30, 2025

Overview

The Compliance Manager and Legal Counsel is responsible for ensuring that the company operates in full compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards applicable in South Africa. This dual role involves providing legal guidance to support strategic and operational decision-making, managing legal risks, and overseeing the compliance management system.

Responsibilities

Compliance Management

• Implement, and maintain the company’s compliance framework in accordance with local and international regulatory requirements (e.g., FICA, POIA, Companies Act, Competition Act, etc.).
• Monitor and interpret new and emerging legislation and regulatory changes, together with Fermel’s compliance consultants and assess the impact on the business.
• Conduct regular compliance audits, risk assessments, and internal reviews to ensure adherence to laws and policies.
• Prepare and deliver compliance training to staff across departments, together with Fermel’s compliance consultants.
• Act as the primary point of contact between Fermel and Fermel’s compliance consultants.
• Investigate and resolve compliance breaches.

Legal Counsel

• Provide legal advice and support to internal stakeholders on a wide range of matters including corporate law, commercial contracts, employment law, litigation, data protection, and IP.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements including NDAs, supplier / customer contracts, MOUs, and service level agreements.
• Manage and coordinate external legal service providers when necessary.
• Support corporate governance activities, including Board and Committee processes, resolutions, and company secretarial duties.
• Assist in dispute resolution, litigation management, and regulatory investigations.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions from a legal perspective.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of South African legal and regulatory environment.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain complex legal and compliance matters to non-legal stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) required; Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Postgraduate qualification in Compliance Management or equivalent (advantageous).
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in a legal and / or compliance role, preferably in a regulated industry (e.g., financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, mining, or telecommunications).
• Proven track record in designing and managing compliance programs.