Executive Head Of Legal, Compliance, And Public Affairs

• Relevant legal qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Laws)
• Completion of articles and board examinations
• Admitted as an attorney or advocate
• Ongoing legal training and updates from law firms and corporate lawyers associations

Skills / Experience required :

• 10+ years of relevant experience as a practicing legal counsel.
• At least 5 years in a senior role, leading a team of legal counsels.
• Understanding of the South African property sector and its legislation
• Awareness of commercial impacts on business operations

Job Description :

• Legal Leadership: Oversee company’s legal function, ensuring risk mitigation and alignment with business strategy.
• Contract Management: Negotiate, draft, review, and enforce contracts; manage the contract repository and approval processes.
• Dispute Resolution: Develop strategies to prevent and resolve legal disputes efficiently, guiding business units on solutions.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to South African and international regulations (e.g., FCPA, OFAC), manage statutory requirements, and provide company secretarial support.
• Risk & Reporting: Oversee compliance reporting, governance, and REIT obligations while staying updated on legislative changes.
• HSEQ & Facilities: Manage health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) functions, including office management and regulatory compliance.
• Mergers & Acquisitions Support: Assist the Regional M&A team with due diligence and legal implementation of acquisitions.
• Stakeholder Management & Public Affairs: Manage external stakeholders, influence policies, communicate sustainability objectives, and implement public affairs strategies. Handle media relations and mitigate reputational risks.
• Financial Management: Manage the legal budget, oversee debt collection, and enforce contractual obligations.
• People Management: Inspire and lead the team, oversee recruitment and development, ensure performance management, promote a culture of learning, and drive staff engagement. Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure fair recognition and reward.