Executive General Counsel: Corporate Law & M&A Strategy

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Executive pension plan

Car allowance

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal invites a seasoned General Counsel to lead the legal department and shape strategy across diverse business units. You will advise the Board and senior management, drive governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, and oversee all legal affairs.

The role demands 15+ years of legal experience with 5+ years in senior in-house roles, strong M&A, litigation, and negotiation expertise, and ethical, strategic leadership.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive legal experience, with 5+ years in a senior in-house or GC role.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, governance, and commercial litigation.
• Strong leadership and the ability to manage a legal team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, CEO, and senior management on all corporate matters.
• Oversee and manage the company's legal team and external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and governance standards.
• Manage corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and financing.
• Develop and implement effective risk management strategies.
• Oversee drafting, review, and negotiation of major contracts and agreements.
• Manage all litigation and dispute resolution activities.
• Develop corporate policies and provide legal support for IP, employment, and regulatory matters.
• Foster relationships with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Corporate law

M&A experience

Governance & compliance

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

In-house counsel experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Admission as Attorney/Advocate of SA High Court

Job description

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal invites a seasoned General Counsel to lead the legal department and shape strategy across diverse business units. You will advise the Board and senior management, drive governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, and oversee all legal affairs.

The role demands 15+ years of legal experience with 5+ years in senior in-house roles, strong M&A, litigation, and negotiation expertise, and ethical, strategic leadership.