In-House Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an In-House Legal Counsel in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role centers on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, partnerships, and vendor contracts.

You will advise on contract interpretation, performance, disputes, and data privacy matters. The ideal candidate is an admitted South African attorney with 5+ years of post-qualification experience in commercial contract law, excellent drafting skills, and a

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with ≥5 years post-qualification experience in commercial contract law.
• Proven drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements in tech space.
• Strong knowledge of IP, data privacy (POPIA) and consumer protection laws.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Proactive, business-minded advisor with in-house experience preferred.
• Experience with contract management systems and legal research tools.
• Strong ethical standards and professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a variety of commercial contracts and agreements.
• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, performance, and disputes.
• Collaborate with sales to secure favorable terms for new business.
• Work with procurement on vendor and supply chain contracts.
• Advise on IP rights, data privacy, and privacy clauses within contracts.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Conduct legal research on relevant commercial laws and regulations.
• Manage contract lifecycle and ensure proper execution and storage.
• Support business development with legal guidance on partnerships and alliances.
• Serve as a key contact for commercial transactional matters.

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Tools

Contract management systems

Legal research tools

IP & data privacy tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology solutions provider headquartered in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a proactive and experienced In-House Legal Counsel to focus on Commercial Contracts . This role is crucial for supporting the company's diverse business operations by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, including SaaS agreements, partnership agreements, vendor contracts, and service level agreements. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, excellent drafting skills, and the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice. You will work closely with various departments, including sales, procurement, and product development, to ensure all contractual arrangements align with company policies and strategic objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to embed themselves within a dynamic, fast-paced corporate environment. We are looking for a detail-oriented individual who thrives on ensuring robust contractual frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a variety of commercial contracts and agreements.


• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, performance, and disputes.


• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure favorable contract terms and conditions for new business.


• Work with the procurement department on vendor agreements and supply chain contracts.


• Advise on intellectual property rights, data protection, and privacy clauses within contracts.


• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.


• Conduct legal research on relevant commercial laws and regulations.


• Manage contract lifecycle and compliance, ensuring all agreements are properly executed and stored.


• Support business development initiatives with legal guidance on partnership and strategic alliances.


• Act as a key point of contact for legal matters related to commercial transactions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on commercial contract law.


• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, particularly in the technology sector.


• Strong understanding of intellectual property, data privacy (POPIA), and consumer protection laws.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.


• Proactive and business-minded approach to legal advisory.


• Experience working in an in-house legal department is highly desirable.


• Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management systems.


• Strong ethical standards and professional judgment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including private medical insurance, a retirement fund, and performance bonuses. This role is based in the vibrant town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , and offers the opportunity to work within a cutting-edge technology company. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to training and industry conferences. The firm fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, encouraging professional growth and contribution. Enjoy the chance to make a tangible impact on the company's commercial success and shape its contractual frameworks. This role presents significant career advancement potential within a growing organization.