Head of Legal

The Unlimited; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic growth-focused company in South Africa is seeking a Head of Legal to lead legal strategies that enable business growth. The successful candidate will manage regulatory compliance, oversee contract negotiations, and ensure legal risk is effectively managed. This role requires deep expertise in regulatory frameworks and a strong track record of advising executive leadership on complex commercial contracts. Ideal candidates should have an LLB degree, at least 10 years of experience, including 5 in the insurance or financial sector, and proven negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ post-admission experience including 5 years in insurance or financial services.
• 3-5 years in a senior legal role advising executive leadership.
• Strong track record in negotiating commercial contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal response to regulatory developments.
• Oversee contract negotiation and regulatory compliance.
• Manage legal risk across the organisation.

Skills

Regulatory risk management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder influence

Education

LLB degree and admission as Attorney or Advocate

Job description

We’re on the hunt for a Head of Legal. Are you passionate about enabling business growth through sound legal frameworks, proactive risk management, and regulatory insight? Do you thrive in a collaborative team? If so, we’re eager to learn more about you!

As Head of Legal, you will lead the legal response to regulatory developments, embed legal input into business planning and product design, and manage legal risk across the organisation. You will oversee contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and external legal relationships, ensuring legal advice is practical, commercially viable, and aligned with business goals. You will bring deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, leadership in legal risk management, experience with complex commercial contracts, and the ability to influence stakeholders and translate legal requirements into business processes.

If you have the following:

• An LLB degree and admission as an Attorney or Advocate
• At least 10 years’ post-admission experience, including 5 years in the insurance or financial services sector
• 3–5 years in a senior legal role, with experience advising executive leadership or board-level stakeholders
• A strong track record in negotiating commercial contracts and applying legislation such as FAIS, LTIA/STIA, POPIA, and FICA

We’d love to hear from you!