Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Generous leave

Professional development

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 in Tembisa, Gauteng is seeking a dedicated Legal Counsel to draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and provide strategic legal guidance across business units. The role is on-site, requiring strong contract law knowledge and meticulous risk management to safeguard company interests.

You will work closely with procurement and sales teams, develop standard templates, and stay updated on regulatory changes affecting commercial agreements.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of contract law principles and practical application.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing complex documents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication with both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with contract management software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of diverse commercial agreements (supplier, service level, licensing, partnerships).
• Provide expert legal advice on terms, risks, and obligations to business stakeholders.
• Ensure contracts comply with laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage the contract lifecycle from initiation through execution, amendment, and termination.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Assist in resolving contractual disputes and advising on breach matters.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, and other departments to tailor legal support.
• Stay updated on changes in contract law and best practices.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Contract law

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

LLB / LLB-equivalent

Tools

Contract management software

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Legal Counsel to join their esteemed legal department, situated in the bustling area of Tembisa, Gauteng . This is a critical role focused primarily on the drafting, negotiation, and management of commercial contracts that underpin the company's extensive operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in contract law and a proven ability to safeguard the company's commercial interests through robust legal frameworks. This position requires a significant on-site presence in Tembisa, Gauteng , fostering close collaboration with various business units and the legal team. We are committed to ensuring our legal operations are efficient and effective, and this role is central to that mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of diverse commercial agreements, including but not limited to, supplier agreements, service level agreements, licensing agreements, and partnership agreements.
• Provide expert legal advice on contractual terms, risks, and obligations to business stakeholders across different departments.
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, from initiation and drafting through execution, amendment, and termination.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks to streamline the contracting process.
• Assist in resolving contractual disputes and advising on breach of contract matters.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, sales, and other departments to understand their needs and provide tailored legal support.
• Stay abreast of changes in contract law and best practices in commercial contracting.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 5 years of relevant post-qualification experience, preferably in a commercial law firm or in-house legal department.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating a wide array of commercial contracts.
• Thorough understanding of contract law principles and their practical application.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing complex legal documents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining complex legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual bonus opportunity based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan and retirement savings benefit.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and legal training.
• A supportive and professional team environment located in Tembisa, Gauteng .
• Exposure to a wide range of commercial activities and industry sectors.