Senior Legal Advisor - Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Fully remote role

Professional development

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Legal Advisor to lead its M&A legal function in South Africa. The role is fully remote, with autonomy to manage due diligence, deal structuring, negotiations, and post-merger integration for high-value transactions.

You will advise executive leadership, oversee external counsel, ensure compliance with corporate and securities laws, and help shape best practices in M&A documentation and processes from a remote setup.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 9+ years in M&A.
• Proven track record closing complex M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate, securities and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A transactions including due diligence, structuring, and closing.
• Draft and negotiate SPAs, APAs, term sheets.
• Guide external counsel and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Advise executives on deal structure, risk and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee post-merger integration from a legal perspective.
• Monitor regulatory developments relevant to M&A in SA.
• Develop best practices for M&A documentation and processes.
• Ensure robust corporate governance and compliance across deals.
• Operate in a remote, high-autonomy environment.

Skills

M&A expertise

Corporate transactions

Negotiation

Drafting contracts

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent multinational corporation with a significant presence in South Africa, is seeking a seasoned Senior Legal Advisor to spearhead its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) legal function. This role offers a flexible, remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute from your preferred location within South Africa. You will be instrumental in managing the legal intricacies of all M&A activities, from initial due diligence and deal structuring to final execution and post-merger integration. This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven legal professional to take on high-level responsibilities within a globally recognized organization, contributing to its strategic growth through impactful transactions. We are looking for a candidate who excels in a remote setting, demonstrating autonomy, strategic thinking, and exceptional deal management capabilities. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating complex corporate transactions and ensuring robust legal frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic corporate transactions.
• Conduct and manage comprehensive legal due diligence processes for target companies and assets.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize all transaction-related legal documentation, including Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Term Sheets.
• Provide expert legal advice to executive leadership and business teams on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee and coordinate external legal counsel and advisors involved in M&A transactions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate laws, securities regulations, and competition law requirements.
• Develop and implement best practices for M&A legal processes and documentation.
• Advise on post-acquisition integration matters from a legal perspective.
• Stay informed about market trends and legal developments relevant to M&A activities.
• Manage legal risks associated with complex and high-value transactions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 9 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on M&A and corporate transactions.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A deals.
• Deep understanding of corporate law, securities regulations, and contract law.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise senior stakeholders effectively.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage a demanding workload, and meet tight deadlines in a remote environment.
• Experience with cross-border transactions is a significant advantage.
• Fluency in English is essential; additional languages are a plus.
• Candidates must possess a reliable internet connection and a suitable remote work setup.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, and a substantial provident fund.
• This is a fully remote position, providing unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• You will have significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions within a leading global corporation.
• We provide access to continuous professional development, including training and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
• The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.
• This role offers substantial career growth potential within our Benoni (remote support for broader Gauteng operations) based client's structure.
• We are committed to employee well-being and offer a dynamic and rewarding work experience.