Legal Counsel - Commercial & Procurement

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Office-based in Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Legal Counsel with a focus on commercial and procurement law for its Paarl office. You will draft, negotiate and manage a range of commercial contracts, advising on terms, risks, and compliance to protect the business.

The role requires an admitted SA attorney with 3–5 years post-qualification experience in commercial law. You will work with internal teams to support tenders, supplier negotiations and dispute resolution.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 3–5 years post-qualification experience.
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience in commercial and procurement contexts.
• Solid understanding of SA contract law and procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements including supplier and procurement contracts.
• Advise business units on contractual terms, risks and compliance with policies and laws.
• Support tender processes, contract awards and supplier disputes with legal insight.
• Ensure alignment of contracts with company objectives and risk appetite.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear guidance to stakeholders.
• Assist in managing commercial disputes with internal teams and external counsel.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Commercial law

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding entity within the (Industry Name - e.g., FMCG, Technology Services, Retail) sector, is seeking an astute Legal Counsel with a strong focus on Commercial and Procurement law. Based in the thriving town of Paarl, Western Cape , this role is essential for managing the legal aspects of the company's commercial dealings and procurement activities. The ideal candidate will be adept at drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide array of commercial contracts, ensuring the company secures favourable terms and mitigates risks. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing business and develop your career in a supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including supplier contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), procurement agreements, and partnership arrangements.
• Advise business units on contractual terms, risks, and compliance with company policies and relevant laws.
• Support the procurement team by providing legal expertise on tender processes, contract awards, and supplier disputes.
• Ensure that all commercial and procurement contracts align with the company's strategic objectives and risk appetite.
• Conduct legal research on commercial law issues and provide practical guidance to stakeholders.
• Assist in managing and resolving commercial disputes and claims, working with internal teams and external counsel as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation impacting commercial transactions and procurement.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of standard contract templates and legal processes.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 3-5 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong emphasis on commercial and contract law.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating various commercial agreements, particularly in procurement.
• Solid understanding of South African contract law, commercial principles, and procurement best practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, able to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage a varied workload efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proactive approach to identifying and managing legal risks.
• Experience within the (Specific Industry - e.g., Retail, Technology, Manufacturing) sector is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund. This position is office-based in Paarl, Western Cape , providing a stable and predictable work environment. You will be part of a dedicated legal team with opportunities for professional growth and development. Join an organization that values its employees and fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Contribute to significant commercial activities in a beautiful region.