Johannesburg: Head of Legal and Compliance posted by Unique Personnel Ltd

January 20, 2026 Jobs in Central Johannesburg

Job Description

About the Role

Unique Personnel Ltd is seeking an experienced Head of Legal and Compliance to join our team. As a key member of our leadership, you will provide strategic legal guidance and ensure the organisation operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This critical role plays a vital part in governance, risk management, and regulatory engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Provide legal advice to the Board, Executive Committee, and senior management on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and operational matters.
Develop, implement, and maintain compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures aligned with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organisation’s operations and strategy.
Ensure adherence to corporate governance principles and support Board and committee processes.
Manage regulatory relationships and act as the primary liaison with regulators and external legal advisors.
Oversee contract drafting, negotiation, review, and management.
Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks.
Lead investigations into compliance breaches and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken.

Requirements

Proven senior-level experience in legal and compliance leadership within a regulated environment.
Strong knowledge of corporate law, regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management.
Experience dealing with regulators, audits, and compliance reporting.
Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
Experience in policy development, implementation, and monitoring.
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
Admission as an Attorney/Advocate (where applicable).
Postgraduate qualification in Compliance, Risk Management, or Corporate Governance (advantageous).
Relevant compliance certification (e.g. Compliance Institute, IAPP, or similar) is an advantage.

Salary & Benefits

No information regarding salary and benefits is available at this time.

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How to Apply

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About Legal Jobs in Gauteng

Gauteng, the economic hub of South Africa, is home to a diverse range of industries that require skilled professionals to drive growth and success. Typically, legal positions in Gauteng cater to a broad spectrum of sectors, including financial services, technology, and manufacturing, among others. Generally, these roles involve advising clients on contracts, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, among other essential duties.

The salary range for legal professionals in Gauteng is often commensurate with experience, company size, and industry sector. Broadly speaking, common salary ranges for entry-level lawyers in this region typically start at R400 000 – R600 000 per annum, while senior professionals can expect to earn between R1 million – R3 million+ per year, depending on the specific role, industry, and level of experience.

Common skills required for legal positions in Gauteng include proficiency in South African law, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication and negotiation abilities, attention to detail, business acumen, and a strong understanding of industry-specific regulations. Additionally, many organizations require lawyers to possess a degree in law (LLB or equivalent), be admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, and have relevant work experience.

The legal profession in Gauteng is often characterized by its diverse range of industries, including financial services, technology, manufacturing, and public sector organisations. Financial services sector roles often involve advising clients on banking and finance regulations, while technology industry lawyers focus on intellectual property, data protection, and software licensing agreements. Manufacturing sector lawyers, on the other hand, tend to work on contract negotiations, product liability, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Career development opportunities for legal professionals in Gauteng are plentiful, with many organisations investing in training and development programs to upskill their teams. Typically, this includes in-house training initiatives, mentorship schemes, and access to continuing professional development (CPD) courses. Generally, career progression paths may involve moving into senior roles, such as company counsel or in-house legal heads, or pursuing alternative careers within the legal profession, such as mediation, arbitration, or academia.

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This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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