Senior Corporate Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid coverage

Provident fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg seeks a Senior Corporate Counsel (M&A) to guide complex transactions, assess legal risks, and provide strategic advice to executives and business units. The role blends advisory work with hands-on deal execution in a hybrid setup.

You will lead due diligence, draft critical transaction documents, and ensure regulatory compliance across South Africa and international aspects as needed.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 8+ years post-qualification experience focused on corporate law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex transaction documents.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, securities law, competition law, and related frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other strategic corporate transactions from inception to completion.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies and assets, identifying risks and liabilities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate SPAs, APAs, MOUs, and related documents.
• Advise senior management on deal structure, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in M&A activities.
• Liaise with external counsel, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of transactions.

Skills

M&A experience

Drafting contracts

Corporate governance

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding international conglomerate, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Corporate Counsel with a strong specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their dynamic legal team. This pivotal role will be based in our Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal office, offering a hybrid work arrangement to foster flexibility and work-life balance. You will be instrumental in guiding the company through complex transactions, ensuring legal compliance, and mitigating risks associated with corporate growth. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of corporate law, transactional procedures, and a proven track record of successfully managing high-stakes M&A deals. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to a leading organization and shape its future strategic initiatives. We are looking for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can provide strategic legal advice to executive leadership and business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic corporate transactions from inception to completion.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies and assets, identifying potential risks and liabilities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transaction agreements, including Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and ancillary documents.
• Advise senior management and business teams on legal implications, deal structuring, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies related to M&A activities.
• Liaise with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of transactions.
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures to govern M&A processes and ensure best practices.
• Provide ongoing legal support for post-completion integration activities.
• Stay abreast of evolving legal and regulatory landscapes impacting corporate transactions in South Africa and relevant international jurisdictions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience, exclusively focused on corporate law and M&A.
• Proven expertise in drafting and negotiating complex transaction documents.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, securities law, competition law, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively advise and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Proficiency in legal research and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Familiarity with international transaction practices is a significant advantage.
• Must be capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team setting at our Pietermaritzburg office, with a hybrid flexibility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, including a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid coverage, a generous provident fund contribution, and access to ongoing professional development opportunities.
• We also provide a supportive and collaborative work environment, regular team-building activities, and a commitment to fostering employee well-being.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model, blending in-office collaboration with remote work convenience.
• Additional perks include study leave for further qualifications and opportunities for career advancement within a growing global organization.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive and rewarding workplace for all our employees in Pietermaritzburg.