Senior Corporate Attorney

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Bonus structure

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent international beverage company in Stellenbosch, Western Cape to recruit a Senior Corporate Attorney. This hybrid role provides strategic legal counsel on mergers and acquisitions, governance, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in corporate law, is admitted as an attorney in South Africa, and can manage complex transactions with strong drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a reputable university.
• Admitted as an Attorney in South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience in corporate law, at a top-tier law firm or in-house.”
• Proven track record in managing complex corporate transactions, M&A, and commercial contracts.
• Deep understanding of corporate governance and regulatory frameworks in FMCG/beverage industry.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with practical business-oriented legal solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel on corporate transactions including due diligence, structuring, and M&A negotiations.
• Oversee corporate governance matters ensuring compliance with the Companies Act and regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements (supply, distribution, licensing).
• Advise on intellectual property strategy, protection and enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws in beverage and agricultural sectors.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution with external counsel as needed.
• Develop and implement legal policies to enhance risk management and efficiency.
• Support employment law matters and HR-related legal issues.
• Conduct legal research on emerging trends and their business impact.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and international legal teams.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international beverage company with significant operations in the South African wine industry, is seeking to appoint a highly experienced Senior Corporate Attorney. This position is based in the heart of the wine region, Stellenbosch, Western Cape , and offers a hybrid working model. The role involves providing comprehensive legal counsel on a wide array of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. The successful candidate will be a key advisor to the executive team, contributing strategic legal insights to support business objectives and manage risk. This is an opportunity to join a respected global brand and play a significant role in its legal operations within a beautiful and dynamic region. We are looking for a seasoned legal professional with a strong corporate law background and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on corporate transactions, including due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of M&A deals.
• Oversee and manage corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act and other relevant regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including supply, distribution, and licensing agreements.
• Advise on intellectual property strategy, protection, and enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the beverage and agricultural sectors.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution processes, liaising with external counsel as necessary.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and risk management.
• Support the business on employment law matters and other HR-related legal issues.
• Conduct legal research and provide analysis on emerging legal trends and their potential impact on the business.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels, including senior management and international legal teams.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university.
• Admitted as an Attorney in South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience in corporate law, gained at a top-tier law firm or in-house legal department.
• Proven track record in managing complex corporate transactions, M&A, and commercial contracts.
• Deep understanding of corporate governance, company law, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the FMCG/beverage industry.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and manage multiple priorities.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Experience advising international companies is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive executive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a substantial bonus structure.
• The role is based in a beautiful setting in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , with a hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for international exposure, professional development, and career advancement within a global organization.
• We foster a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a senior legal professional to make a significant impact within a leading company in a sought-after location.
• Enjoy working in the scenic Cape Winelands while contributing to a major global brand.