General Counsel - Corporate Law

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

About the Role

Our client, a diversified conglomerate with significant operations, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead its legal department. This executive role, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, will oversee all legal affairs of the company, ensuring robust corporate governance, risk management, and compliance. The General Counsel will be a key advisor to the Board of Directors and senior management, shaping legal strategy and protecting the company's interests across its various business units. This is a demanding but highly rewarding opportunity.

Key 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 legal counsel.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Manage all corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and financing activities.
• Develop and implement effective risk management strategies.
• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of major contracts and agreements.
• Manage all litigation and dispute resolution activities.
• Develop and maintain corporate policies and procedures.
• Provide legal support for intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory matters.
• Foster strong relationships with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior in-house counsel or General Counsel role.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, corporate governance, and commercial litigation.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to manage a legal team effectively.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex legal challenges.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to corporate responsibility.
• Experience in diverse industries is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance bonuses, equity options, and comprehensive executive benefits such as private medical aid, executive pension plan, and car allowance. This role provides significant influence and strategic impact within a leading organization based in Pietermaritzburg. We are committed to developing our leadership talent and offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. Join a prestigious company and lead its legal strategy.