Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Transactions

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive bonus potential

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a multinational corporation based in Randburg, seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to oversee complex commercial transactions. This hybrid role combines office presence with remote work flexibility, and requires advising senior management on corporate structuring, governance, and risk across global operations.

You will draft and negotiate mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, major service agreements, and supervise external counsel.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years post-qualification experience focused on complex commercial transactions and corporate law.
• Strong experience in M&A, corporate structuring, and high-value contract negotiation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial contracts, including M&A, joint ventures, and major service agreements.
• Provide expert advice on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management strategies.
• Oversee legal aspects of significant transactions and projects; manage external counsel as needed.

Skills

Mergers & Acquisitions

Corporate governance

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court)

Job description

About the Role Our client, a multinational corporation with significant operations in Randburg , seeks an accomplished Senior Legal Counsel specializing in commercial transactions. This role operates on a hybrid basis, combining essential office presence with remote work flexibility. The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for managing complex commercial agreements, advising on corporate structuring, and mitigating legal risks associated with the company's extensive business dealings. You will serve as a key legal advisor to senior management and various business units, ensuring that all contractual arrangements and business strategies are legally sound and align with the company's objectives. This position demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to handle high-value transactions and provide pragmatic legal solutions in a dynamic global marketplace. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of contract law, corporate governance, and international business practices. This is a pivotal role offering considerable influence and the opportunity to shape the legal framework of a leading global enterprise. You will be instrumental in supporting critical business initiatives and ensuring robust legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial contracts, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, strategic alliances, and major service agreements.
• Provide expert legal advice on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management strategies.
• Oversee legal aspects of significant business transactions and projects.
• Manage and direct external legal counsel as needed.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and legal compliance.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential investments and partnerships.
• Advise on regulatory matters impacting the company's operations.
• Mentor and guide junior legal team members.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney (High Court) with a minimum of 8-10 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on complex commercial transactions and corporate law.
• Extensive experience in M&A, corporate structuring, and high-value contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a hybrid setting.
• Experience with international transactions is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable legal advice.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Hybrid work model providing work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement and leadership roles.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and impactful legal matters.
• Be part of a globally recognized organization in Randburg .