Legal Counsel - General Commercial

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Training programs and industry events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a General Commercial Legal Counsel for its Bloemfontein operations. The role offers hybrid work between remote and in-office presence at the Bloemfontein HQ, providing broad legal support across commercial activities.

The successful candidate will partner with business stakeholders and contribute to strategic objectives with practical legal solutions in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 4-6 years post-admission experience focusing on general commercial law.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including supplier, distribution, service and leasing agreements.
• Advise on consumer protection legislation and compliance with marketing/advertising regulations.
• Support procurement activities and tender processes.
• Assist with corporate governance and statutory compliance.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear advice to business units.

Skills

General commercial law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal advisory

Legal research

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Tools

Legal research databases

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic and expanding retail group with significant operations in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking a versatile General Commercial Legal Counsel. This role requires a pragmatic and business-minded legal professional to provide comprehensive legal support across various commercial activities of the group. You will be involved in a wide range of matters, including contract drafting and negotiation, consumer law advice, supplier agreements, and general corporate advisory work. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of commercial law principles and the ability to apply them effectively in a fast-paced business environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing company and play a key role in its legal and commercial success. You will work closely with business stakeholders, providing practical legal solutions to support strategic objectives in Bloemfontein . The role offers a broad range of legal exposure and significant opportunities for professional development within a supportive team structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, distribution agreements, service contracts, and leasing agreements.
• Advise on consumer protection legislation and ensure compliance with relevant marketing and advertising regulations.
• Provide legal support for procurement activities and tender processes.
• Assist with general corporate governance matters and statutory compliance.
• Conduct legal research on commercial issues and provide clear, concise advice to business units.
• Support the resolution of commercial disputes and liaise with external counsel when necessary.
• Review and advise on marketing materials and promotional campaigns.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant South African commercial laws and industry practices.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 4-6 years of post-admission experience, with a strong focus on general commercial law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating diverse commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African contract law, consumer protection laws, and company law.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, business-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively advise non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Proactive, self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in standard office software and legal research databases.
• Experience in the retail sector is advantageous but not essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based incentives and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. This role follows a hybrid working model, offering flexibility between remote work and in-office presence at our Bloemfontein, Free State headquarters. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous professional development, with access to training programs and industry events. The company fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, valuing employee contributions and promoting work-life balance. Join a growing organization where your legal expertise will directly impact business success. This position provides excellent career growth opportunities within the retail sector.