Head of Legal( Renewable Energy)

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Legal for a prominent player in the renewable energy sector in Cape Town. This pivotal role involves providing strategic legal leadership and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of legal experience, including substantial work in project financing and development. A comprehensive package is offered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years' professional legal experience, with at least 10 years in project development.
• Strong knowledge of South African legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in renewable energy project legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute legal strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Ensure compliance with South African and international laws.
• Draft, review, and negotiate multi-million Rand contracts.

Skills

Project development expertise

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Leadership

Risk management

Education

LLB degree and admission as an attorney/advocate

Job description

Head of Legal

Market-related Package

Cape Town

Role overview

An exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced Head of Legal to join a leading player in the renewable energy sector. This pivotal role requires providing strategic legal leadership, safeguarding the organisation’s interests, and ensuring full legal, contractual, and regulatory compliance across all business activities. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Legal will act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee and project teams, supporting the successful delivery of projects from development through to operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and execute legal strategy aligned with corporate and project objectives
  • Provide trusted legal advice to the CEO, ExCo, and project leaders
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the legal team to ensure growth and succession planning
  • Ensure consistent legal support across all subsidiaries and entities
• 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 effective mitigation strategies
  • Oversee regulatory affairs and manage liaison with authorities and regulators
• Contract Management
  • Draft, review, and negotiate multi-million Rand contracts, including:
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  • Implementation Agreements (IAs)
  • EPC and O&M contracts
  • Finance and vendor agreements
  • Maintain contract templates, processes, and best-practice standards
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  • Manage disputes, litigation, and arbitration proceedings
  • Collaborate with and oversee external counsel when required
  • Oversee intellectual property rights, licensing, and related disputes
• Ethics, Compliance & Governance
  • Drive a strong culture of ethics, compliance, and integrity
  • Deliver compliance and governance training to staff and board members
  • Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, King Code, and governance frameworks
  • Manage statutory reporting obligations and oversee the legal budget

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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, including the Companies Act and King Code
• Expertise in renewable energy project legal matters, particularly EPC, finance, and offtake agreements
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex legal portfolios, litigation, and regulatory compliance