Senior Legal Counsel : Regulatory, Compliance

Tiger Brands; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Gauteng is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal support across regulatory advisory and compliance. This role requires expertise in Intellectual Property law and the ability to manage legal risks while ensuring alignment with South African legislation. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of relevant experience and possess an LLB degree. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years post-qualification experience, preferably in-house.
• Generalist legal experience across Intellectual Property, Commercial Litigation, and Regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice across regulatory and compliance matters.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts.

Skills

Understanding of South African legal frameworks

Expertise in Intellectual Property law

Knowledge of advertising and marketing law

Legal research skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws)

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

LLM in Business / Commercial Law

Job description

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they’re doing. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be responsible for providing strategic legal support to the Tiger Group Legal Team across regulatory advisory, compliance, litigation, and intellectual property matters.

You will guide internal stakeholders on the implementation, execution, and monitoring of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring alignment with South African and industry-specific legislation and industry standards.

Under the supervision of the General Counsel, you will deliver efficient transactional legal services, manage legal risks, and contribute to the development of a strong governance and compliance culture.

Your role will also include advising on advertising and marketing law, protecting and commercialising intellectual property assets, and supporting dispute resolution processes.

What You Will Do

• Provide strategic legal advice across regulatory, compliance, litigation, and commercial matters.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and legal documentation.
• Advise on Intellectual Property matters, including protection, enforcement, licensing, and commercialisation of IP assets.
• Ensure compliance with advertising and marketing laws, including consumer protection regulations and industry codes.
• Monitor and interpret new and proposed legislation, assessing its impact on business operations and advising on necessary actions.
• Communicate legal developments and regulatory changes to relevant stakeholders with strategic recommendations.
• Support dispute resolution and litigation processes, including managing external counsel where necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to embed a culture of compliance and governance.
• Participate in industry forums and legal networks to stay abreast of emerging legal trends and best practices.
• Provide training and guidance to business units on legal and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously solicit feedback to improve legal service delivery and client satisfaction.

What You Will Bring To The Table

Competencies

• Strong understanding of South African & industry specific legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in Intellectual Property law, including protection, enforcement, and commercialization of IP assets.
• Solid grasp of advertising and marketing law, including regulatory compliance with consumer protection and industry standards.
• Ability to conduct regulatory assessments and interpret legislative impact on business operations.
• Skilled in legal research, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Effective project management and task execution.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to act as a trusted advisor.

Experience

• 4–5 years post-qualification experience (preferably in‑house), ideally within FMCG or a similar industry.
• Generalist legal experience across Intellectual Property, Commercial Litigation, and Regulatory matters. Compliance experience is advantageous but not essential.

Qualification

• LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws).
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• LLM in Business / Commercial Law (advantageous).

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under‑represented designated groups.