Head of Office

Affirmative Portfolios; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,545,000 - 1,889,000; Full time

Job summary

Affirmative Portfolios is seeking a strategic Head of Office (Level 2) in Johannesburg to lead legal services and office operations. The role emphasizes delivering high‑quality, compliant services while managing budgets and staff development.

The successful candidate will direct office performance, cultivate stakeholder partnerships, and ensure ethical practice in all proceedings and client interactions.

Qualifications

• Must hold an LLB or equivalent and be admitted as an Attorney/Advocate (SA).
• Minimum 10 years post‑admission legal experience; 5 years in court/legal management.
• Experience with court processes and leadership in training Candidate Attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to office staff and foster a productive environment.
• Develop strategies to achieve organizational objectives and improve service delivery.
• Oversee budget management and ensure financial reporting to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Represent the organization in meetings, conferences and public events.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Training & development

People management

Legal governance

Analytical thinking

Education

LLB or equivalent legal qualifications

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

HEAD OF OFFICE (Level 2)– Johannesburg – Permanent -

Salary: (R 1,717,017.00) all-inclusive package per annum

Company Overview

The company is a National Public Entity; a key contributor to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, providing quality legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. The organisation has a national footprint in all nine (9) provinces. The company is a credible employer of choice, boasting Top Employer SA accreditation for sixteen (17) consecutive years. We offer an exciting Employee Value Proposition with opportunities for development, career growth and an inspiring workplace.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to office staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve organizational objectives and enhance service delivery.
• Manage and mentor office staff, providing guidance and support to promote professional growth and development.
• Oversee the provision of high-quality legal services to clients, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a client-centric approach, prioritizing the needs and interests of clients in all aspects of office operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, community organizations, and funders.
• Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and public events, advocating for the interests of the office and its clients.
• Collaborate with external partners to leverage resources and support initiatives that benefit the community served by the office
• Oversee the management of the office budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support service delivery objectives.
• Monitor financial performance and compliance with budgetary guidelines, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for senior management and stakeholders, providing transparent and accurate information on the financial status of the office.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies governing office operations.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the organization's reputation, financial stability, and legal standing.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and areas of vulnerability, taking proactive measures to address issues and prevent future problems.

Minimum Requirements

• An LLB Degree or any equivalent and related legal qualifications at NQF level 8
• Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA, in good standing.
• At least ten (10) years post admission experience as a legal practitioner in practice, of which five (5) years must be at Court / Legal Management experience
• Extensive experience and knowledge of court processes, such as Magistrate Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court and Labour Courts and the Constitutional Court.
• Demonstrated ability to train Candidate Attorneys.
• Excellent leadership and people development skills with a track record in training Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Experience in budget preparation and management thereof.
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of legal principles, ethics, and standards of practice relevant to the organization's mission.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and represent the organization professionally.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and make sound financial decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and drive results.
• Commitment to social justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Leading competencies

• Strong communication skills and an ability to manage a diverse workforce.
• Ability to plan, organise, coordinate and present.
• Good facilitation skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Innovative, creative and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent problem solving and motivational skills.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.