Head Of Legal

Envusa Energy; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 120 000 - 180 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is seeking a Head of Legal to provide strategic legal leadership. Based in Cape Town or Johannesburg, this role involves advising executives, managing regulatory compliance, and overseeing legal functions. Candidates should have an LLB degree, 15 years of experience in law, and expertise in renewable energy legal matters. Join us to shape the legal foundation of one of Southern Africa's top energy firms, driving decarbonisation and sustainable practices.

Benefits

Impactful work on renewable projects

Collaboration with global leaders

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of professional legal experience, 10+ years in project development.
• Strong knowledge of South African legal frameworks and corporate governance.
• Expertise in renewable energy project legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal strategy and advise the CEO and executive committee.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Draft and negotiate multi-million Rand contracts.

Skills

Legal strategy development

Project finance legal matters

Risk management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

LLB degree and admission as attorney/advocate

Job description

About the role

Cape Town or Johannesburg, ZA - Hybrid (Remote and In Person).

Envusa Energy is a licensed energy trader and a joint venture between EDF power solutions and Anglo American.

The company is at the forefront of delivering innovative renewable energy solutions to private offtakers across Southern Africa and is on track to deliver 3–5 GW of renewable capacity by .

With its first MW of wind and solar projects already under construction and expected to supply power by Q , Envusa Energy is helping to decarbonize industry and create a sustainable energy future.

As part of a global partnership, Envusa brings together EDF's renewable expertise and Anglo American's leadership in sustainable mining.

The Head of Legal will provide strategic legal leadership to Envusa Energy and its group of companies, reporting directly to the CEO.

This senior role requires you to act as a trusted advisor to the Ex Co and project leaders, ensuring that all business activities—from development and bidding to financing, construction, and operations—are legally sound, compliant, and strategically aligned.

You will lead a growing legal function, manage relationships with external counsel, and oversee all regulatory, contractual, and governance obligations.

This is a pivotal position with responsibility for safeguarding Envusa's legal interests, managing risk exposure, and contributing to the company's long-term success in the renewable energy sector.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute Envusa's legal strategy aligned to corporate and project objectives
• Act as the legal advisor to the CEO, Ex Co, and project teams on all legal and contractual matters
• Lead, mentor, and develop the legal team to ensure growth and succession planning
• Ensure consistent legal support across all Envusa subsidiaries and entities
• Legal Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with South African and international laws and regulations
• Monitor, interpret, and implement legislative and regulatory changes
• Identify potential legal risks and implement risk mitigation strategies
• Oversee regulatory affairs and act as liaison with authorities and industry regulators
• Contract Management Draft, review, and negotiate multi-million Rand contracts, including PPAs, IAs, Construction & EPC contracts, O&M contracts, Finance agreements and vendor agreements
• Maintain contract templates, processes, and best practice standards
• Manage legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration matters
• Collaborate with and manage external counsel when required
• Oversee intellectual property rights, licensing, and IP-related disputes
• Ethics, Compliance & Governance Drive a strong culture of ethics, compliance, and integrity across Envusa
• Develop and deliver compliance and governance training to staff and board members
• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, King Code, and corporate governance frameworks
• Ensure statutory reporting obligations are met and legal budget is well managed

What You’ll Need

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney or advocate (essential)
• Minimum 15 years' professional legal experience with at least 10 years in project development, construction, and project finance
• Strong knowledge of South African legal and regulatory frameworks and corporate governance requirements (Companies Act, King Code)
• Expertise in renewable energy project legal matters, including drafting and negotiating EPC, finance, and offtake agreements
• Proven ability to manage large, complex legal portfolios, litigation, and regulatory compliance

Why Join us?

Join Envusa Energy and play a key role in shaping the legal foundation of one of Southern Africa's leading renewable energy companies.

You’ll :

• Lead legal strategy at executive level
• Work on landmark renewable projects driving decarbonisation
• Collaborate with global leaders EDF Renewables and Anglo American
• Make a lasting impact on South Africa's energy future