In-House Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel specializing in Commercial Contracts based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role involves drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, advising on risk and interpretation, and ensuring compliance with laws and company policies.

You will collaborate with business development, sales, procurement and other teams, manage the contract lifecycle, develop templates and playbooks, and support the General Counsel.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years in commercial law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong negotiation and commercial mindset.
• Experience in in-house legal department is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Stellenbosch/Western Cape business environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts including vendor, service level, partnership, licensing, and NDAs.
• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, risk assessment, and dispute resolution related to contractual matters.
• Ensure all contracts are compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Collaborate with business development, sales, procurement, and other internal teams to understand their contractual needs and provide timely legal support.
• Manage contract lifecycle, including maintaining a contract repository and tracking key terms and renewals.
• Assist in developing and implementing standard contract templates and playbooks to streamline contracting processes.
• Conduct legal research on issues related to commercial law and contract management.
• Support the General Counsel on various corporate legal matters as needed.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm with a strong presence in the innovation sector, is looking for a skilled In-House Counsel specializing in Commercial Contracts. This role is based in the vibrant academic and business hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will be instrumental in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements that support the company's growth and operational needs. The ideal candidate will possess a sharp legal mind, exceptional drafting skills, and a commercial orientation, enabling them to provide practical and effective legal solutions. This position offers significant exposure to cutting-edge business dealings and the opportunity to shape contractual frameworks in a dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, service level agreements, partnership agreements, licensing agreements, and NDAs.
• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, risk assessment, and dispute resolution related to contractual matters.
• Ensure all contracts are compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with business development, sales, procurement, and other internal teams to understand their contractual needs and provide timely legal support.
• Manage contract lifecycle, including maintaining a contract repository and tracking key terms and renewals.
• Assist in developing and implementing standard contract templates and playbooks to streamline contracting processes.
• Conduct legal research on issues related to commercial law and contract management.
• Support the General Counsel on various corporate legal matters as needed.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 5 years of experience in commercial law, with a strong focus on contract drafting and negotiation.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling complex commercial agreements within the technology or related sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Strong negotiation skills and a commercial mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working in an in-house legal department is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with the business and legal environment in Stellenbosch, Western Cape is preferred.
• Proficiency in contract management software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and direct involvement in key business decisions.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility, balancing office collaboration with remote work, ideal for professionals in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.