Client Summary:
Our client is a significant player within the African manufacturing landscape, operating across multiple jurisdictions. They are committed to growth, robust governance, and ensuring operational excellence within a highly regulated sector. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic legal team that is actively building its in-house capability to support complex commercial operations across the continent.
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a highly capable and commercially astute Commercial Legal Counsel to join our established, yet evolving, Company Secretarial and Legal Department based in Fourways. This role is primarily focused on being the first line of defence for all commercial legal matters, offering significant autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership. You will be instrumental in safeguarding the Group's interests by managing high-stakes contract negotiations, mitigating multi-jurisdictional legal risks, and supporting critical corporate governance functions. If you thrive in a fast-paced, down-to-earth environment where your commercial judgement is valued, this is an excellent platform to transition your private practice or existing in-house experience into a role with tangible business impact.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary legal reviewer for a diverse portfolio of commercial agreements, including MSAs, SLAs, and complex supply/distribution contracts.
- Provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice directly to various business units across Southern and East African operations.
- Proactively identify, assess, and implement strategies to mitigate legal and regulatory risks pertinent to the chemical manufacturing sector.
- Support the protection and management of the Group’s intellectual property portfolio, advising on IP risks embedded within commercial dealings.
- Manage external counsel relationships and coordinate the resolution of any litigation or dispute processes effectively.
- Assist with crucial corporate governance matters, ensuring adherence to statutory requirements and best practice principles, where required.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders in Procurement, Finance, and Operations.
Requirements:
- Qualifications: LLB or BCom Law Degree
- Admission: Admitted Attorney of the High Court
- Experience: 3–5 years post-admission experience
- Core Skill: Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
- Attributes: Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and push back professionally when necessary
Nice-to-haves:
- Jurisdiction: Exposure to multi-jurisdictional environments (especially African jurisdictions)
- Sector Knowledge: Previous experience in manufacturing, industrial, or highly regulated sectors
- Governance: Working knowledge of corporate governance frameworks (e.g., King IV) and the Companies Act