Legal Counsel

Outsidecapital; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 750 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global FMCG company in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel. This role requires a commercially-minded legal professional to provide strategic legal advice and manage Intellectual Property. Key responsibilities include overseeing marketing compliance, contract negotiations, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have an LLB and 3-5 years of legal experience, particularly in commercial environments. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and operational involvement.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of post-qualification legal experience required.
• Proven ability to advise on Sales, Marketing, and Procurement portfolios.
• Solid knowledge of regulatory compliance in a commercial setting.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary strategic legal advisor to senior management.
• Protect and manage high-value Intellectual Property assets.
• Advise on marketing campaigns and contract negotiations.
• Champion the adoption of Contract Lifecycle Management tools.

Skills

Commercially-minded legal advisory

Intellectual Property management

Competition Law compliance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Job description

Job Description

Title

Senior Legal Counsel

Client Summary

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the FMCG space deeply embedded in the South African market and committed to driving business responsibly and sustainably. They are known for their iconic brands and a dynamic fast-paced commercial environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of complex commercial strategy cutting-edge marketing and robust intellectual property protection for a portfolio that touches millions of consumers daily. Joining their team means becoming a strategic partner to key business units ensuring growth is achieved ethically and within the highest standards of compliance.

Job Description

Are you an ambitious legal professional ready to step up into a high-impact strategic corporate role We are seeking a sharp commercially-minded Senior Legal Counsel to join our clients dynamic legal function in Johannesburg.

This is more than just a legal role; its a chance to be a true strategic partner directly influencing commercial success across sales marketing and supply chain operations. You will play a crucial part in safeguarding world-class brands navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving operational excellence through legal tech implementation. If you thrive on proactively mitigating risk shaping governance and collaborating closely with business leaders on innovative projects this permanent opportunity offers unparalleled exposure and professional acceleration.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary strategic legal advisor to senior management translating complex legal requirements into actionable business guidance.
• Spearhead the protection and management of high-value Intellectual Property assets including trademarks brand integrity and competitive intelligence monitoring.
• Serve as a key legal resource for commercial teams providing expert counsel on marketing campaigns sponsorships and high-stakes contract negotiations (sales procurement distribution).
• Drive legal operational efficiency by championing the adoption and standardization of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools across supply chain and sales functions.
• Manage and resolve all potentially litigious matters with a focus on commercially viable outcomes ensuring litigation remains a last resort.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to internal governance policies particularly concerning Competition Law Anti-Bribery and Ethical Conduct.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with regulatory bodies and external counsel effectively resolving corporate and regulatory issues.
• Stay ahead of legislative shifts proactively updating internal policies and advising stakeholders on necessary adjustments.

Requirements

Requirements

Must-Haves

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years post-qualification legal experience.
• Proven ability to advise commercial portfolios including Sales Marketing and Procurement.
• Solid working knowledge of Competition Law and regulatory compliance in a commercial environment.

Nice-to-Haves

• Completion of articles at a reputable law firm.
• Experience managing and protecting intellectual property including trademarks and brand defence.
• Demonstrated stakeholder management capability.
• Experience developing or mentoring team members.

Employment Type

Full-Time

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1