Senior Legal Advisor

Hollard; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company located in Gauteng is seeking an experienced legal manager to support business operations. The candidate will be responsible for managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic legal support, particularly in insurance contracts and litigation. This role requires strong leadership skills and a track record in stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will have experience in the insurance sector and a legal background.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing legal risks in a corporate setting.
• Strong understanding of insurance legal compliance, particularly in Life Insurance.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management and legal advisory roles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the group legal function and strategy.
• Build trusted relationships with business stakeholders.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts.
• Manage litigation matters and oversee external attorneys.
• Lead special projects requiring legal expertise.

Skills

Leadership

Legal risk management

Stakeholder management

Compliance

Contract negotiation

Legal advisory

Education

Qualified attorney

Job description

Job Advert SummaryJob Purpose : The role is focused on supporting the business in managing legal risk, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic and operational legal support.

This includes managing contractual, litigation, regulatory, and IP-related risks, while also serving as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders.

The role combines both leadership responsibilities (managing a team of 4 – 5 resources) and hands‑on legal advisory functions.Key Responsibilities : Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementAssist the Head of Legal in managing the group legal function and strategy.Build long‑term, trusted relationships with all stakeholders (business units, central functions, group compliance, finance, marketing, human capital, specialist divisions, etc.).

Act as the liaison for designated business units, fully understanding their operations and providing tailored legal support.Manage and mentor junior legal advisors and administrators.Provide technical legal training and coaching to stakeholders across the business.Legal Risk & Compliance (Insurance specific with a special focus on Life Insurance)Monitor and report on legal and contractual compliance in collaboration with compliance and senior leadership.Interpret and embed new laws and regulations, providing guidance, impact summaries, and communication to the business.Ensure compliance with group legal and governance policies.Support Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiatives and customer service standards.M&A support and structuringContracting & DocumentationDraft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including commercial, policy wordings, and regulatory agreements.Provide legal interpretation on contracts, legislation, policy wordings, and complex claims.Maintain effective contract management systems.Litigation & Dispute ResolutionManage litigation matters by appointing attorneys, monitoring progress, and controlling legal costs.Represent the legal function at internal forums (e.g., claims, policy wording, adjudicator forums).

Special Projects & IP ManagementLead or project manage special ad hoc projects requiring legal expertise