Head of Legal and Compliance

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Equity options

Fully remote

Executive health plan

Retirement benefits

Generous PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Head of Legal and Compliance to steer the global legal strategy for a fully remote, distributed e-commerce platform. You will oversee governance, contracts, IP, regulatory compliance, and risk management at the enterprise level.

Lead a high-performance team, advise the Board, manage external counsel, and foster a culture of integrity while navigating a dynamic international regulatory landscape.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with at least 12 years post-qualification experience in senior legal leadership.
• Extensive corporate law, M&A, contracts, IP, and compliance expertise in tech/e-commerce.
• Proven track record of global legal/compliance strategy and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global legal strategy aligned with growth objectives.
• Oversee corporate governance, contracts, IP, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Design and manage comprehensive compliance programs across jurisdictions.
• Lead and mentor the legal/compliance team and manage budgets.
• Advise Board and executive leadership on risk and strategy.

Skills

Legal leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

LLB or equivalent

Tools

Contract lifecycle management (CLM)

IP management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing global e-commerce platform operating entirely remotely, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Head of Legal and Compliance. This executive-level position is responsible for overseeing all legal and compliance functions of the organization worldwide. The Head of Legal and Compliance will develop and implement the company's legal strategy, manage all legal affairs, ensure robust compliance programs, and provide strategic guidance to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors. This role demands exceptional leadership qualities, extensive experience in corporate law and compliance, and a deep understanding of the legal challenges faced by technology and e-commerce businesses. The successful candidate will be instrumental in navigating complex legal landscapes, mitigating risks, and fostering a strong culture of integrity and ethical conduct across the organization. This is a unique opportunity to lead the legal and compliance function of a thriving, distributed enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's global legal strategy, aligning with business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Oversee all legal matters, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, intellectual property, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations globally.
• Manage and mentor the legal and compliance team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legal, compliance, and risk management matters.
• Oversee external legal counsel relationships and manage legal budgets effectively.
• Proactively identify and mitigate legal and compliance risks across all business operations.
• Lead investigations into compliance issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments impacting the e-commerce and technology sectors.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa or equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 12 years of post-qualification experience, including significant experience in a senior legal leadership role.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, commercial contracts, IP, and regulatory compliance, preferably within the technology or e-commerce sector.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful legal and compliance strategies for global organizations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of international laws and regulations relevant to e-commerce and technology.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing legal teams and budgets.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully remote, and dynamic international environment.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a significant base salary, performance bonuses, and equity options.
• Fully remote working arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the legal and compliance function of a leading global e-commerce platform.
• Comprehensive executive health, retirement, and other benefits.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Direct impact on the strategic direction and success of the company.
• A highly collaborative and innovative remote work culture.
• Support for building a world-class legal and compliance function.