In-House Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Annual leave

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced In-House Counsel in Klerksdorp to lead commercial contract practice. You will draft, review, and negotiate supplier, customer, distribution, and service contracts while advising on risk and compliance across the business.

You will partner with procurement, sales, and operations to ensure legally sound agreements, protect company interests, and support growth in the industrial sector.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience.
• Strong focus on commercial contract law and drafting experience.
• Experience advising corporate clients in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial contracts.
• Provide practical legal advice on contract interpretation and disputes.
• Manage the contract lifecycle from drafting to termination and renewal.
• Develop standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Coordinate with external counsel when specialized expertise is required.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Contract negotiation

In-house counsel

Legal research

Education

LLB / law degree

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established industrial manufacturing company located in Klerksdorp , North West, is seeking a dedicated and experienced In-House Counsel with a focus on commercial contracts. This role is integral to supporting the company's diverse operational needs, ensuring all commercial agreements are legally sound, protect the company's interests, and facilitate smooth business operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract law, commercial negotiation, and a thorough understanding of the manufacturing sector. This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable organization and play a key role in its legal and commercial success. The position is based in our client's head office in Klerksdorp , offering direct engagement with senior management and various business departments. We are looking for a proactive legal professional who can provide practical, business-oriented legal advice. The role involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including supplier agreements, customer contracts, distribution agreements, and service level agreements. Our client values precision, efficiency, and a collaborative approach to legal problem-solving. This role offers significant responsibility and the chance to contribute directly to the company's growth and risk management strategies within the industrial landscape of Klerksdorp .

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial contracts, including sales agreements, procurement contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, disputes, and enforcement.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, from initial drafting to execution and termination.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Advise business units on contractual risks and mitigation strategies.
• Support the procurement and sales teams with contract-related matters.
• Conduct legal research on commercial law issues impacting the company.
• Assist in developing and implementing standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Manage external counsel when specialized legal expertise is required.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and compliance within the organization.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong focus on commercial contract law.
• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of contract law principles and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Experience in an in-house legal role or extensive experience advising corporate clients is preferred.
• Familiarity with the manufacturing or industrial sector is highly desirable, particularly in the Klerksdorp region.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management software.
• High degree of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards, along with comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• This position provides significant opportunities for professional growth and exposure to diverse commercial activities within a leading industrial company.
• Employees benefit from a supportive and collaborative work environment at our Klerksdorp office.
• Our client provides access to modern resources and technology to facilitate efficient work.
• We offer a standard annual leave allowance and other statutory benefits.
• Our client is committed to maintaining a positive work culture that values expertise and employee contribution, promoting a sustainable work-life balance within the demanding industrial sector.