In-House Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel focused on commercial contracts. The role is based in Rustenburg but fully remote within South Africa, enabling work from anywhere in the country.

You will draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements to safeguard the company and enable growth. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in commercial law, strong SA contract knowledge, and proven negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial law with emphasis on drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Proven track record of managing a high volume of commercial agreements.
• Strong knowledge of South African contract law and business practices.
• In-house counsel experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts including supplier, customer, NDA, and partnership agreements.
• Provide proactive legal advice on commercial transactions and business initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks related to contractual obligations.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and company policies.
• Advise on contract interpretation and dispute resolution for commercial agreements.
• Liaise with external counsel and manage external legal spend.
• Support business development and procurement teams on contract matters.
• Maintain a comprehensive contract management system.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Contract drafting

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court of SA)

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding industrial group, is seeking a skilled In-House Counsel with a focus on commercial contracts to join their legal department. This role is based in Rustenburg, North West , but the position offers the flexibility of being fully remote, allowing for work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will be instrumental in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, safeguarding the company’s interests and facilitating business growth. This is a significant opportunity for a legal professional looking to make a tangible impact within a forward-thinking organization. We are committed to innovation and providing our in-house legal team with cutting-edge tools and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, customer contracts, NDAs, and partnership agreements.
• Provide proactive legal advice on commercial transactions and business initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks associated with contractual obligations.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Advise on contract interpretation and dispute resolution related to commercial agreements.
• Liaise with external counsel when necessary and manage external legal spend.
• Support business development and procurement teams in contract-related matters.
• Maintain a comprehensive contract management system.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial law, with a strong emphasis on contract drafting and negotiation.
• Proven track record of managing a high volume of commercial agreements.
• Excellent understanding of South African contract law and business practices.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Experience working as an in-house counsel is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in contract management software is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund. Employees benefit from a flexible work schedule and the opportunity to work from a location of their choice within South Africa. Our client invests in continuous professional development, offering access to online learning platforms and opportunities to attend industry webinars. This role provides significant autonomy and the chance to shape legal processes within a growing enterprise, offering excellent career progression prospects beyond the Rustenburg region.