Senior Director- Legal Services (5 year fixed term contract)

HR Genie; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal services provider in Gqeberha seeks an experienced legal professional to manage and provide strategic leadership in legal services at a university. Candidates should hold an LLM degree, have 8-10 years of legal experience, and the ability to manage external advisors effectively. Experience in higher education will be advantageous. Competitive preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates according to employment equity targets.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of knowledge and experience in various areas of law including Constitutional and Contract law.
• Experience in legal services in Higher Education preferred.
• Proven leadership and management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for legal services across the institution.
• Ensure accurate legal guidance to the University.
• Manage external legal and professional advisors efficiently.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Complex problem-solving

Influencing and negotiation

Change management

Education

LLM degree

Admission as an Advocate or attorney

Registration with the Legal Practice Council

Job description

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

This position requires a knowledgeable and experienced legal professional across multiple areas of the law with a pragmatic solutions-orientated approach, who can successfully navigate the Universitys legal, policy and strategic environment.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide strategic leadership and alignment with regard to legal services across the institution
• Ensure that comprehensive and accurate legal guidance is provided to the University
• Efficient administration and optimisation of financial and physical resources
• Provide leadership in human resource management
• Corporate governance and compliance reporting

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and make well-reasoned decisions.
• Change management and transformation
• Well-developed written, verbal and communication and networking skills Strategic thinking
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Influencing and negotiation
• Resilience and Versatility.
• Finance management
• Project Management

REQUIREMENTS

• LLM degree
• Admission as an Advocate (with pupillage) or attorney.
• Registration with the Legal Practice Council.
• Instruct and manage external legal and other professional advisors to protect and promote the Universitys financial, operational, commercial and reputational interests on an efficient, consistent and timely basis.
• Proven 8 10 years knowledge and experience in areas of the law including Constitutional law, Administrative law, Contract law, Commercial law, PAIA and PAJA.
• Vet and draft complex contracts of a commercial nature, and high-level legal opinions.
• Experience in legal services in Higher Education will be an advantage
• The University is seeking an individual who meets the technical expertise for the position, have proven leadership and management skills, can inspire and motivate the Legal Services team, and has credibility amongst their peers

DISCLAIMER

Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University’s employment equity targets. No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 17 October 2025.