Legal Advisor - Legal Associate Johannesburg, Gauteng

Smdtechnologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational manufacturer seeks a Legal Advisor in Johannesburg to manage complex legal matters. The role requires an admitted attorney with at least 5 years of experience in corporate or multinational environments, strong drafting, and negotiation skills. Key responsibilities include drafting commercial agreements, managing litigation, and providing legal advice on legislation. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court.
• Minimum of 5 years post‑admission legal experience in corporate or multinational.
• Solid knowledge of South African commercial law.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex legal matters across local and international jurisdictions.
• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements and corporate documents.
• Oversee litigation and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication

Attention to detail and organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple complex projects

Sound judgment and proactive mindset

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court

5 years post-admission legal experience

Job description

Legal Advisor – Johannesburg, Gauteng

Company Overview: We are a leading multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer goods and electronics, operating across diverse global markets. Innovation, compliance, and responsible business practices are at the core of our success.

Position Summary

The Legal Advisor will be responsible for managing a wide range of complex legal matters for the group across local and international jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial legal background, a sharp business acumen, and a pragmatic approach to managing legal risk in a fast‑paced multinational environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court.
• Minimum of 5 years post‑admission legal experience, ideally within a large law firm, corporate or multinational environment.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Solid knowledge of South African commercial law and familiarity with international legal frameworks.
• Experience in managing legal risk, litigation, and compliance with local and global legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation:
  • Commercial Agreements: Service level, distribution, joint venture, profit share, and sale agreements (business, shares, subscription).
  • Corporate Documents: Shareholders agreements, MOIs, deeds of adherence, resolutions.
  • Lease and Finance Agreements: Lease agreements, loan agreements, pledge and cession agreements, guarantees, and suretyships.
  • IP and Confidentiality: NDAs, non‑circumvent agreements, trademark matters.
  • Internal Compliance: Policies, terms and conditions.
• Legal Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks.
• Litigation Management: Oversee and manage litigation and dispute resolution processes.
• Regulatory Compliance & Advisory: Provide legal advice and formal opinions on CPA (Consumer Protection Act), NCA (National Credit Act), POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), Companies Act, Competition Act. Stay current with changes in legislation and their impact on business operations.
• Legal Research & Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct legal research and prepare memos or reports for management and business units; liaise with internal departments and external advisors to support strategic and operational goals.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and jurisdictions.
• Sound judgment and a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset.