General Counsel

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus program

Executive health insurance

Stock options or equity

Relocation assistance to PortElizabeth

Flexible working arrangements

Remote work option

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned General Counsel to lead legal operations for its rapidly expanding international logistics business, overseeing governance, compliance, contracts, litigation and IP. Based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, the role supports the executive team and board, with remote work possible for a candidate who demonstrates strong autonomy, strategic vision and excellent communication.

This senior leadership role includes managing budgets and external counsel, and shaping

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent and SA Attorney admission.
• 10+ years legal experience with 5+ years in senior in-house/GC roles.
• Strong governance, compliance, contract, and regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic counsel to Board and executive management.
• Oversee governance, compliance, securities, and regulatory filings.
• Manage contract lifecycle and commercial agreements.
• Develop policies to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Oversee litigation, IP, external counsel, and legal budgets.
• Lead and develop the in-house legal team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Cross-border transactions

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree

Admission to practice law as an Attorney in South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding international company in the logistics sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead their legal operations. This role, based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the company, including corporate governance, compliance, contract management, litigation, and intellectual property. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will provide critical legal advice to support the company's strategic objectives and ensure adherence to all relevant laws and regulations. While the position is based in Port Elizabeth, we are open to a highly experienced candidate working in a fully remote capacity, demonstrating exceptional autonomy and communication skills. This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant impact and scope.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Directors and executive management on a wide range of legal and business issues.
• Oversee all corporate legal matters, including governance, compliance, securities, and regulatory filings.
• Manage the company's contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiating, and advising on commercial agreements.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local and international laws.
• Oversee and manage all litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Protect and manage the company's intellectual property portfolio.
• Advise on risk management strategies and implement measures to mitigate legal and business risks.
• Manage external legal counsel and control legal budgets effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable industry regulations and data privacy laws (e.g., POPIA).
• Foster a strong culture of legal and ethical compliance throughout the organization.
• Lead and develop the in-house legal team.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Admission to practice law as an Attorney in South Africa.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior in-house counsel or General Counsel role, preferably within the logistics or international trade sector.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, contract negotiation, litigation management, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice to executive leadership and boards.
• Strong understanding of international business law and cross-border transactions.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal challenges and make sound judgments.
• Experience managing legal budgets and external counsel.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote or hybrid work environment if necessary.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and executive bonus program.
• Comprehensive executive health, life, and disability insurance.
• Significant long-term incentive plan (stock options or equivalent).
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for executive leadership development and professional growth.
• Potential for remote work for an exceptional candidate.
• Opportunity to shape the legal direction of a growing international company.
• Relocation assistance to Port Elizabeth if required.
• Access to executive perks and benefits.