Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape is seeking a Legal Counsel specializing in Commercial Contracts to draft, review and negotiate a wide range of agreements while mitigating risk. You will provide practical legal advice, ensure compliance with South African laws including POPIA, and support business growth by aligning contracts with strategic goals.

Collaborate with procurement, sales and operations, develop templates, manage the contract lifecycle, and liaise with external counsel as

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with minimum 4 years post-qualification experience in commercial contracts.
• Proven ability to draft, review and negotiate varied commercial agreements.
• Strong knowledge of South African contract law, consumer protection law and POPIA.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate various commercial contracts (supply, service, distribution, NDAs).
• Advise on contractual matters, risk, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure contracts comply with SA laws and POPIA.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Collaborate with business units to tailor legal solutions.
• Manage contract lifecycle from drafting to termination.
• Help develop contract management policies and procedures.
• Conduct legal research on contract law issues.
• Support the legal team on ad-hoc projects.
• Liaise with external counsel for specialized advice.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Admitted Attorney

Tools

Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic manufacturing and logistics company, is seeking a dedicated Legal Counsel specializing in Commercial Contracts to join their operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is essential for managing and optimizing the company's contractual arrangements, mitigating risk, and supporting business growth through sound legal advice. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, ensuring they align with the company's strategic objectives and comply with all relevant laws. Working within our East London facility, you will collaborate closely with procurement, sales, and operational teams to provide practical and timely legal support. We are committed to fostering a culture of legal excellence and providing our employees with opportunities for professional advancement. This position offers a significant platform to develop expertise in commercial law within a thriving industrial sector. We seek a professional with strong contract drafting skills, a keen understanding of business needs, and the ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal stakeholders. Your contribution will be instrumental in safeguarding the company's interests and facilitating successful business partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in a challenging and rewarding legal role.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts, including supply agreements, service agreements, distribution agreements, and NDAs.
• Provide legal advice on contractual matters, risk assessment, and dispute resolution related to contracts.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant South African laws and regulations.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Collaborate with business units to understand their needs and provide tailored legal solutions.
• Manage contract lifecycle from drafting to execution and termination.
• Assist in developing and implementing contract management policies and procedures.
• Conduct legal research on specific contract law issues as required.
• Support the legal department on ad-hoc legal projects and initiatives.
• Liaise with external counsel when specialized advice or litigation support is needed.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 4 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong focus on commercial contract law.
• Proven experience in drafting, negotiating, and managing a variety of commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African contract law, consumer protection law, and POPIA.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across departments.
• Proficiency in legal research and standard office software.
• Proactive and business-oriented approach to legal practice.
• Experience in the manufacturing or logistics sector is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of commercial contracts.
• Professional development and training support.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment in East London, Eastern Cape .
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Annual bonus opportunities.
• Generous annual leave.
• Exposure to various business functions and strategic projects.
• A stable and reputable employer.