In-house Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Executive medical aid

Pension fund

Executive life assurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In‑House Legal Counsel to lead the Mergers & Acquisitions legal function in Sandton, Gauteng. The role oversees deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, and execution, reporting to senior management and the board on strategic legal matters.

The ideal candidate will have a strong corporate law background, extensive M&A and finance experience, and the ability to manage complex, high‑value transactions in a fast‑paced corporate setting.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court with a minimum of 10 years of experience focusing on M&A and corporate finance.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi‑jurisdictional M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, securities regulations, and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of all M&A transactions from strategy to post‑completion integration.
• Structure, negotiate, and draft agreements for acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee and conduct due diligence investigations on potential targets and counterparties.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and advisors engaged in M&A activities.
• Advise senior management and the board of directors on legal risks and strategic considerations related to M&A.
• Ensure compliance with corporate laws, securities regulations, and listing requirements.
• Develop and implement M&A legal processes and best practices within the company.
• Manage corporate governance matters related to transactions and subsidiary management.
• Stay abreast of market trends and legal developments impacting M&A activity.

Skills

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major diversified corporation with significant operations in Sandton, Gauteng , is seeking a highly experienced In-house Legal Counsel to lead their Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) legal function. This pivotal role will be responsible for managing all legal aspects of the company's M&A activities, including identifying targets, structuring deals, conducting due diligence, and overseeing transaction execution. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of corporate law, M&A procedures, and transactional finance. This is a senior position offering the opportunity to play a strategic role in the company's growth and development. The role requires a results-oriented legal professional capable of managing complex, high-value transactions in a fast-paced corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of all M&A transactions, from initial strategy to post-completion integration.
• Structure, negotiate, and draft agreements for acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee and conduct legal due diligence investigations on potential targets and counterparties.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and advisors engaged in M&A activities.
• Advise senior management and the board of directors on legal risks and strategic considerations related to M&A.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant corporate laws, securities regulations, and listing requirements.
• Develop and implement M&A legal processes and best practices within the company.
• Manage corporate governance matters related to transactions and subsidiary management.
• Stay abreast of market trends and legal developments impacting M&A activity.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court with a minimum of 10 years of experience, with a significant focus on M&A and corporate finance.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities regulations, and contract law.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of financial statements and business valuation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal advice to senior executives.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to manage external counsel.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits include executive medical aid, a generous pension fund, and executive life assurance.
• This is an office-based role at our prestigious Sandton, Gauteng headquarters, offering unparalleled career development and leadership opportunities.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, providing extensive support for professional growth through continuous learning, executive coaching, and exposure to high-impact strategic initiatives.
• Join a leading organization at the forefront of its industry and shape its future through impactful M&A strategies.