Head of Legal( Renewable Energy)

SET Consulting; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company seeks an experienced Head of Legal to provide strategic legal leadership and ensure legal compliance across all business activities. The ideal candidate will have a solid LLB degree, a minimum of 15 years of legal experience, and strong knowledge of South African legal frameworks. Responsibilities include managing legal risks, advising the Executive Committee, and overseeing contract negotiations. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the organization’s interests and requires expertise in project development and finance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of professional legal experience.
• At least 10 years in project development, construction, and finance.
• Strong knowledge of South African legal frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute legal strategy for the organization.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Draft and negotiate multi-million Rand contracts.

Skills

Legal Strategy Development

Compliance Management

Contract Negotiation

Risk Management

Leadership and Mentoring

Education

LLB degree and admission as an attorney or advocate

Job description

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