Group Company Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel

Senwes Ltd.; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in South Africa is searching for an experienced Group Company Secretary and Group Legal Counsel. This role entails providing strategic legal and governance leadership, advising the Board on statutory requirements, and managing compliance risks. Ideal candidates will possess an LLB or LLM, a governance qualification, and significant legal experience, particularly in in-house counsel roles. The position emphasizes corporate governance, risk management, and the execution of corporate actions like mergers, fostering alignment with the company's mission.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years legal experience including at least 8 years as in-house counsel and/or company secretary.
• Proven experience advising at Board and Executive level within a corporate environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Board on corporate governance and compliance requirements.
• Lead corporate actions including mergers and share issues.
• Act as principal legal advisor on commercial matters.

Skills

Corporate governance

Legal advisory

Risk management

Mergers and acquisitions

Education

LLB or LLM; admitted Attorney or Advocate

FCIS/CGISA or equivalent governance qualification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Group Company Secretary and Group Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal, governance and compliance leadership across the Group. The role is responsible for advising the Board and Executive on corporate governance, commercial legal matters, legislative compliance and risk management, while safeguarding the Group’s legal standing and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Board, Committees and Executive Management on corporate governance, King IV and statutory requirements.
• Serve as a governance advisor at the Board and Committee meetings and lead Board evaluations and director induction.
• Lead corporate actions and fundamental transactions, including mergers, share issues and related corporate activity.
• Act as a principal legal advisor on complex commercial matters and oversee litigation and regulatory engagements.
• Lead the Legal and Compliance functions, manage external counsel, and ensure effective risk and compliance frameworks.

Minimum requirements

• LLB or LLM; admitted Attorney or Advocate.
• FCIS/CGISA (or equivalent governance qualification).
• 10-12 years legal experience, including at least 8 years as in-house counsel and/or company secretary.
• Proven experience advising at Board and Executive level within a corporate group environment.

Closing date

13 February 2026.

• We are committed to transformation through the appointment of persons from designated groups and potential candidates from these groups will enjoy preference.
• Kindly note that a consumer credit record and criminal background check will be requested in respect of all appointments which involve dealing with cash or finances.
• Should we not have contacted you within four weeks of the closing date, you may assume that your application has been unsuccessful.