Legal Advisor

L'Oréal; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A global beauty company is seeking a Legal Advisor in Johannesburg to provide comprehensive legal support across various departments. This role requires expertise in South African commercial law and a minimum of 3-5 years of post-admission experience. Key responsibilities include drafting commercial contracts and ensuring compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will excel in legal research and communication, with a proactive approach to legal risks. Experience in the beauty industry is a significant asset.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years post-admission experience in corporate/commercial law.
• Proven experience with contract drafting and negotiation.
• FMCG, retail, or beauty industry experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice across various departments.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Monitor compliance with South African legislation.

Skills

Legal expertise

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Proactive & commercial mindset

Integrity & ethics

Collaboration

Organization

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree

Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

Job title: Legal Advisor

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline: December 10

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Support :

Provide sound, pragmatic, and timely legal advice to all departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales, HR, Finance, Operations, IT) on a wide range of legal issues, including commercial law, consumer protection, advertising law, competition law, data privacy (POPIA), labour law, and general corporate matters.

Interpret complex legal documents and regulations, translating them into clear, actionable advice for non-legal stakeholders.

Contract Management :

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including supply agreements, service agreements, marketing agreements, distribution agreements, digital agreements, confidentiality agreements, and property-related contracts.

Ensure all contractual arrangements protect the company's interests and comply with legal requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management :

Monitor and advise on new and evolving South African legislation and regulatory developments relevant to the beauty industry and L'Oréal's operations.

Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance policies, procedures, and training programs, particularly in areas such as POPIA, competition law, anti-bribery & corruption, and consumer protection.

Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks across the business.

Conduct internal investigations as required, particularly concerning compliance breaches.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management :

Assist in managing and resolving disputes, claims, and litigation, including liaising with external legal counsel, preparing briefs, and managing evidence.

Provide advice on potential legal actions and strategies.

Intellectual Property :

Provide support on intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyright, and patent issues, collaborating with global IP teams and external counsel.

Corporate Governance :

Assist with corporate secretarial duties and ensure compliance with the Companies Act, where necessary.

Training & Education

Develop and deliver legal and compliance training sessions to employees to foster a culture of legal awareness and ethical conduct.

Qualifications and Experience

Education :

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable South African university is essential.

Admittance :

Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

Experience :

Minimum of 3-5 years post-admission experience in corporate / commercial law, either within a leading law firm or as an in-house legal counsel in a multinational company.

Proven experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and providing legal advice across various business functions.

Experience with South African regulatory frameworks such as the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Competition Act, and advertising regulations is highly advantageous.

Experience in the FMCG, retail, or beauty industry will be considered a strong asset.

Skills and Competencies

Legal Expertise :

Strong understanding of South African commercial law, contract law, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance principles.

Analytical Skills :

Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.

Communication :

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

Negotiation :

Proven negotiation skills with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting company interests.

Proactive & Commercial Mindset : Ability to anticipate legal risks, offer practical and business-oriented solutions, and integrate legal advice seamlessly into commercial strategies.

Integrity & Ethics :

Highest level of integrity, ethical conduct, and professional judgment.

Collaboration :

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Organization :

Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Technology Proficiency : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research platforms.

Closing Date

10 December