Senior Construction & Engineering Lawyer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Hybrid work

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Construction & Engineering Lawyer to join their legal team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with both home and office-based collaboration, focused on advising on procurement, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution for large-scale infrastructure projects across Southern Africa.

Ideal candidates will be admitted attorneys with 7+ years in construction and engineering law, deep knowledge of FIDIC and NEC, and strong

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with at least 7 years post-qualification experience in construction and engineering law.
• Strong knowledge of SA construction law (FIDIC, NEC) and standard forms of contract.
• Proven experience handling complex construction disputes and claims.
• Hybrid work capability with office presence in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and administer construction and engineering contracts.
• Support tender and procurement processes with legal oversight.
• Manage contractual claims, disputes, and litigation in construction projects.
• Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and health and safety standards.
• Conduct due diligence on projects and partners.
• Advise on project financing, insurance, and risk management.
• Develop contract management strategies and liaise with external counsel.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Legal drafting

Dispute resolution

Legal risk management

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading infrastructure development firm with extensive projects across Southern Africa, is seeking a Senior Construction & Engineering Lawyer to join their legal team. This role will be based out of our Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA office, with a hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility. You will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on all aspects of construction and engineering projects, from procurement and contract negotiation through to dispute resolution. This includes advising on standard form contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC) as well as bespoke agreements. You will work closely with project managers, engineers, and commercial teams to manage legal risks, ensure contractual compliance, and navigate complex legal challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure developments. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned lawyer to play a key role in shaping significant projects within the region. The hybrid model allows for focused work from home and collaborative engagement in the Nelspruit office.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on the drafting, negotiation, and administration of construction and engineering contracts.


• Provide legal support during the tender and procurement stages of projects.


• Manage and advise on contractual claims, disputes, and litigation arising from construction projects.


• Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations.


• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and health and safety standards.


• Conduct legal due diligence on potential projects and partners.


• Advise on project financing, insurance, and risk management aspects.


• Develop and implement contract management strategies.


• Liaise with external counsel, consultants, and government agencies.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience in construction and engineering law.


• In-depth knowledge of South African construction law, FIDIC, NEC, and other standard forms of contract.


• Proven experience in managing complex construction disputes and claims.


• Strong negotiation and drafting skills.


• Experience in project finance and procurement is highly desirable.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with office-based collaboration.


• Must be able to work from our client's offices in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA on designated days.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-related bonuses.


• Hybrid work model offering excellent work-life balance.


• Opportunity to work on impactful and large-scale infrastructure projects.


• Professional development and continuous learning support.


• Be part of a reputable firm with a strong presence in the construction industry.


• Collaborative team environment within our Nelspruit offices.


• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.