In-House Counsel - Commercial Transactions

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health and retirement benefits

Exposure to high-profile national and,

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Placements24, a leading industrial group in Vereeniging, seeks an experienced In-House Counsel to lead commercial transactions. The role combines in-office responsibilities in Vereeniging with remote flexibility, supporting business units on mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate deals.

The successful candidate will structure, negotiate, and close complex agreements, provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice, and manage external counsel.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Significant experience in corporate law, M&A, and commercial contracting.
• Ability to manage complex transactions end-to-end.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of commercial transactions: drafting, reviewing, negotiating contracts.
• Provide strategic legal advice on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, JVs, and restructurings.
• Ensure transactions comply with SA laws and regulations.

Skills

M&A

Corporate Law

Negotiation

Contract Drafting

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading industrial group with significant operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to focus on commercial transactions. This senior role requires a strategic legal professional who can provide expert advice on a wide array of commercial agreements, mergers, acquisitions, and other significant corporate dealings. You will be a key member of the legal team, working closely with business units to facilitate deals, manage risks, and ensure compliance. The successful candidate will be instrumental in structuring, negotiating, and closing complex transactions that drive the company's growth and strategic objectives. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a substantial impact within a dynamic corporate environment. The role operates on a hybrid model, combining in-office presence in Vereeniging with remote flexibility, allowing for effective management of responsibilities. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of legal excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of commercial transactions, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
• Provide strategic legal advice on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other corporate restructurings.
• Ensure all transactions comply with relevant laws and regulations in South Africa.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential acquisitions and partnerships.
• Advise on corporate governance matters and maintain statutory registers.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel engaged for specific transactions.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to support business operations.
• Assist in managing litigation and dispute resolution related to commercial activities.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory changes impacting the company's industries.
• Support the General Counsel and senior management on strategic legal initiatives.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial contracting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex transactions from inception to completion.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of South African corporate and commercial law.
• Ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload.
• Experience working in an in-house legal department is highly desirable.
• Commitment to ethical practice and professionalism.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering excellent flexibility.
• Significant opportunity for professional growth and impact.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Exposure to high‑profile national and international transactions.
• A dynamic and supportive corporate culture in Vereeniging .
• Performance-related bonuses.