In-House Legal Counsel

Placements24; Gqeberha; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Executive level compensation

Private medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Career progression opportunities

Company car or travel allowance

Relocation assistance

Annual leave and holidays

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned In-House Legal Counsel for a leadership role based in Port Elizabeth. You will shape legal strategy and manage risk across the business, providing strategic guidance to the executive team.

The role requires deep expertise in contract and corporate law, with strong negotiation, governance, and regulatory capabilities to support growth in the Eastern Cape.

Formación

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as Advocate or Attorney in South Africa.
• 8–12 years post-qualification experience, in-house or top-tier firm.
• Specialist in contract, corporate, and commercial litigation.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Based in Port Elizabeth or willing to relocate.

Responsabilidades

• Provide expert legal advice on commercial contracts, employment law, IP, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial and service agreements.
• Oversee litigation and liaison with external counsel.
• Develop corporate policies to ensure governance and risk management.
• Advise on corporate structuring, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international laws.
• Conduct legal research and present concise recommendations to senior management.
• Manage IP portfolio including trademarks and patents.
• Train management and staff on legal matters.
• Maintain relationships with external advisors and regulators.

Conocimientos

Contract law

Corporate law

Commercial litigation

Negotiation

Educación

LLB or equivalent

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector based in Port Elizabeth, is seeking a seasoned In-House Legal Counsel to lead their legal strategy and operations. This senior role requires a comprehensive understanding of commercial law, contract negotiation, and corporate governance. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic legal advice to the executive team, managing risks, and ensuring compliance across all business functions. This is a significant opportunity to shape the legal framework of a leading company in Eastern Cape and contribute to its continued growth and success. The role demands a proactive, business-minded legal professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including commercial contracts, employment law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, partnership agreements, and service level agreements.
• Oversee and manage all litigation and dispute resolution matters, liaising with external counsel as necessary.
• Develop and implement corporate policies and procedures to ensure robust corporate governance and risk management.
• Advise on corporate structuring, mergers, acquisitions, and other significant transactions.
• Ensure the company's compliance with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.
• Conduct thorough legal research and provide clear, concise recommendations to senior management.
• Manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks and patents.
• Train and advise management and staff on legal issues and best practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent legal qualification from a recognized institution.
• Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in South Africa.
• A minimum of 8-12 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion spent in-house or in a top-tier law firm advising corporate clients.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract law, corporate law, and commercial litigation.
• Proven track record in negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to balance legal considerations with commercial objectives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead legal initiatives.
• Experience within the manufacturing sector is highly desirable.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Port Elizabeth.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive private medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career progression and leadership development.
• Exposure to high-level strategic decision-making within the company.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in Port Elizabeth.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Annual leave and generous public holiday provisions.
• Access to advanced legal resources and professional development programs.
• Executive health screening and wellness programs.