Senior Legal Counsel

Outside Capital; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 750 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent company in Pretoria is seeking a strategic legal leader to drive governance and compliance efforts. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive legal expertise, possess an LLB degree, and have 7-10 years of experience in law. This leadership role requires exceptional strategic thinking, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney or advocate with legal practice experience.
• Minimum 7-10 years as attorney, advocate, or corporate lawyer.
• Experience with engineering and construction contracts (FIDIC, JBCC, PROCSA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop legal and governance strategies.
• Provide legal advice on a broad range of issues.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and legal requirements.
• Draft and negotiate contracts.
• Advise management on legal risks and legislation.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Legal compliance

Contract negotiation

Team leadership

Education

LLB degree or equivalent

Job description

Introduction

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented legal leader to join our client's senior management team.

This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to shape the legal, governance, and business support functions of a thriving organization.

You will provide clear, pragmatic legal counsel, drive robust governance practices, and implement strategies that strengthen compliance and probity across the company.

This position is ideal for a seasoned legal professional looking to leverage their expertise in a high-impact leadership role, contributing directly to the company's mission and future direction.

You’ll be instrumental in fostering a collaborative culture and championing a commercial mindset, all while embodying the company's core values.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the legal, governance, and business support strategy to align with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Provide high-quality, pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of disciplines, exercising sound judgment on internal and external legal input.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with all statutory, legal, and policy requirements, including new and current legislation.
• Draft, revise, and negotiate contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations and considering commercial factors.
• Advise senior management on legal issues, potential risks, and emerging legislation impacting the organization's activities.
• Lead the information governance function, ensuring compliance with data protection laws (e.g., POPIA) and developing robust data protection strategies.
• Drive the corporate governance function to safeguard the company, its shareholders, and employees, delivering strategic advice and company secretarial services.
• Champion a collaborative culture and role model the organization's values, fostering an environment of learning and high performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and contribute to efficiency improvements within the legal and business support functions.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• LLB degree or equivalent appropriate legal qualification.
• Admitted attorney or advocate, or a corporate lawyer with experience at a reputable legal practice or within a corporate legal department.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience as a practicing attorney, advocate, or in‑house legal counsel / corporate lawyer.
• Demonstrated experience with engineering and construction contracts, including FIDIC, JBCC, and PROCSA.
• Strategic and critical thinking capabilities with the ability to assess complex legal matters and exercise sound judgment.
• Proven people leadership skills with a track record of team development.