Legal Advisor

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wellness company in South Africa is seeking a legal advisor to oversee commercial and consumer law issues. Responsibilities include managing legal matters for clubs, drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has at least 4 years of relevant experience and strong negotiation skills. This full-time role offers a collaborative onsite environment.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience as a consumer law and corporate/commercial lawyer.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle high responsibility and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and provide advice on operational and commercial issues.
• Handle legal matters related to member contracts.
• Draft and finalize service level and commercial agreements.

Skills

Consumer Law

Commercial Law

Negotiation Skills

Time Management

Communication Skills

Education

Admitted as an attorney

Job description

Our purpose is to…

To change people’s lives for the better through wellness. We are passionate about supporting people to lead healthy, fulfilled lives by providing a space where they can focus on their physical, mental, and social well-being.

Our mission is to create an environment where wellness works for everyone. At Virgin Active, wellness is not just about fitness—it's about creating real experiences that support members in their holistic health journey.

We provide a luxury wellness environment that fosters personal growth, community, and transformation. Our approach is accessible, inclusive, and built on the foundation of social wellness. We operate as a full-time onsite function because we believe the best ideas come to life when collaborating in person, sharing thoughts, and building together.

Our wellness offering is built on core pillars which define who we are and how we deliver on our promise:

1. Refreshing Real Experiences: Authentic, engaging experiences that inspire lasting wellness.
2. Holistic Wellness: A comprehensive approach integrating fitness, mental health, nutrition, and recovery.
3. Curated Guidance and Progress: Personalized coaching and programs to support sustainable progress.
4. Communities Without Conformity: Diverse, welcoming environments where everyone feels empowered.

Your Purpose...

• To monitor and provide advice on operational and commercial issues within the business. We are looking for a lawyer:
• with solid experience in consumer law and commercial law gained at top firms of attorneys and/or a leading company; and
• who will, with the assistance of external counsel specializing in litigation, be able to manage and monitor on the company’s behalf, any litigious or insurance-related matters which may arise from time to time.
• The selected candidate will serve as legal advisor and will report directly to the Legal Director.

Club Support - Please note that this makes up a significant portion of the role, specifically:

• Handling and assisting the Clubs and the Customer Engagement teams with member issues in so far as they relate to legal and/or membership contract matters, advising on in-Club member disciplinary matters, liaising with Club General Managers and Insurers, and ensuring implementation of Club rules and operational standards for disciplinary procedures.
• At times, the volume of work coming from the Clubs can be significant, and the successful applicant will need to have strong time management skills, coupled with short turnaround times.
• Assisting with compliance matters involving the Consumer Protection Act, health and safety, environmental, corporate governance, and data protection.
• Drafting, negotiating, and finalizing service level and commercial agreements with third parties (i.e., corporates, suppliers, sub-tenants, etc.).
• Facilitating the submission of third-party insurance claims and managing litigation in conjunction with VASA insurers.
• Providing legal advice and support in connection with VASA’s corporate relationships, e.g., medical scheme partners, sporting apparel partners, and other vendors and partners in general.

Vendor Contracts:

• Liaising with internal business teams to draft and formalize contracts with new or existing suppliers, reviewing and advising on existing supply contracts;
• Working with our global teams to draft, negotiate, and finalize vendor agreements in other jurisdictions.
• Providing general legal advice on commercial matters to internal teams, including transaction structuring, contract negotiation, interpretation, enforcement, risk assessment, legal and regulatory compliance, and corporate policies.
• Supporting business teams regarding VASA sub-tenants, including personal trainers, group exercise instructors, physiotherapists, biokineticists, food and beverage outlets, and swim schools.
• Overseeing intellectual property registrations and enforcement.
• Providing legal support to the VASA property legal advisor as needed.
• Supporting corporate matters, including annual audits, due diligence, corporate agreements, trademark licenses, and finance.
• Assisting with company secretarial duties.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience as a consumer law and corporate/commercial lawyer (or litigation lawyer with relevant drafting experience), admitted as an attorney.
• Excellent time management and quick turnaround skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with a practical understanding of the law.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, with diplomacy.
• Ability to handle high responsibility, work under pressure, and manage multiple projects.
• Vigilance and proactive problem-solving abilities.

Desired Attributes

• Adaptability to a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn and grow.
• Winning mentality and motivation to succeed.
• Commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
• Growth mindset.
• Ability to work independently.
• Trustworthiness and integrity.
• Drive to create memorable moments for members.
• Decision-making and ownership skills.
• Action-oriented mindset.

Additional Skills

• Wellness knowledge to inspire holistic health approaches.
• Agility and collaboration skills.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ).