Senior Legal Counsel - Construction Law

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Generous leave entitlement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel specialized in construction law to join its legal department in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will advise on all legal aspects of major infrastructure projects, draft and negotiate contracts, and manage disputes across Gauteng and beyond.

You will collaborate with project managers, engineers, and external counsel to navigate construction law, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with legislation.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 8 years in construction law.
• Experience advising on large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African construction contracts and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and relocate if needed.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts (FIDIC, NEC, JBCC).
• Advise on procurement strategies, tendering processes, and contractor appointments.
• Manage and resolve construction disputes including arbitration, adjudication, and litigation.
• Ensure compliance with construction legislation, regulations, and standards.
• Provide legal guidance on project finance, insurance, and risk allocation.
• Conduct legal due diligence on projects and partners.
• Advise on site acquisition, land use, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement legal risk management strategies for projects.
• Liaise with internal teams, external counsel, and authorities.
• Stay updated on construction law developments.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Legal research

Client advisory

Project collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading infrastructure development company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Legal Counsel with a specialization in construction law to join their legal department in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This critical role requires extensive expertise in advising on all legal aspects of major construction projects, including contract drafting and negotiation, dispute resolution, risk management, and compliance with relevant legislation. The successful candidate will play a key role in safeguarding the company's interests and ensuring the successful execution of complex building and engineering projects across Gauteng and beyond. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record in construction law, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to provide strategic legal advice in a fast-paced project environment. You will work closely with project managers, engineers, and external legal advisors to navigate the intricacies of construction law and mitigate potential legal challenges. This position offers a significant opportunity for career advancement and the chance to contribute to landmark infrastructure developments. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and possesses excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities. You will be a trusted advisor to senior management on all construction related legal matters. This role is based in the industrial heartland of Vereeniging.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, JBCC).
• Advise on procurement strategies, tendering processes, and contractor appointments.
• Manage and resolve construction disputes, including arbitration, adjudication, and litigation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable construction legislation, regulations, and building standards.
• Provide legal guidance on project finance, insurance, and risk allocation.
• Conduct legal due diligence on potential construction projects and partners.
• Advise on site acquisition, land use, and environmental compliance related to construction activities.
• Develop and implement legal risk management strategies for construction projects.
• Liaise with internal project teams, external legal counsel, and relevant authorities.
• Stay abreast of developments in construction law and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-admission experience, with a substantial focus on construction law.
• Proven experience in advising on large‑scale construction and infrastructure projects.
• In‑depth knowledge of South African construction contracts and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and tight deadlines.
• Strong commercial acumen and risk assessment capabilities.
• Experience in arbitration and/or adjudication proceedings is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management software.
• Must be willing to travel to project sites as needed.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Vereeniging area.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial salary and performance‑related bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include a leading medical aid scheme, a retirement annuity fund, and generous leave entitlement. The company is dedicated to fostering employee growth through ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and exposure to diverse and challenging projects. Join a dynamic team environment where your expertise in construction law will be highly valued. This role offers significant career progression opportunities within a major player in the infrastructure sector, located in Gauteng . Make a significant impact from Vereeniging .