Job Description
About the Role
A global leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution is seeking an experienced In-House Legal Counsel to join their South African operations. This is a broad, high-impact role within a well-resourced international legal function, offering genuine autonomy and exposure across multiple African jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing day-to-day legal advice and support to business teams across South Africa and Kenya
- Advising on commercial, distribution, supply chain, antitrust, export, HR & labour law, and debt collection matters
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements
- Managing the full contract lifecycle including execution, loading, and governance via contract management systems
- Acting as the African Compliance Officer, leading and overseeing compliance programmes across the region
- Overseeing dissemination of the Group’s Code of Conduct and Business Principles, including ethics investigations and staff training
- Monitoring corporate governance for all group entities in South Africa and Kenya
- Managing BBBEE compliance and monitoring
- Heading the Social & Ethics Committee
- Identifying and managing legal risks associated with business operations
- Overseeing litigation and supporting outside counsel on complex matters
- Advising on intellectual property portfolio strategy and enforcement
- Providing legal support for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and entity formation
- Assisting with integration projects for acquired companies
- Supporting the company’s broader strategic initiatives with timely legal analysis
- Performing company secretarial functions, including board meeting materials and minutes
- Overseeing delinquent debtor collection processes
- Managing outside counsel relationships effectively and efficiently
- Developing and implementing internal legal policies and best practices
Requirements
- LLM with 7+ years of relevant post-qualification experience — essential
- Good standing with the relevant legal licensing authority
- Strong commercial law knowledge, particularly in distribution and agency law — essential
- Proven experience drafting and negotiating contracts in a commercial environment
- Solid understanding of corporate governance, BEE legislation, and regulatory compliance
- Experience with M&A transactions and due diligence
- Familiarity with international legal issues and cross-border regulations
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills — both written and verbal
- Ability to operate autonomously with a high degree of integrity
- Experience in a fast-paced in-house legal environment
- Knowledge of the chemical manufacturing or distribution sector — advantageous
- Experience with contract management software (e.g. OnBase by Hyland) — advantageous
- Experience with training platforms (e.g. Cornerstone) — advantageous
Qualifications
None mentioned.
Salary & Benefits
Salary details not specified in the original job description.
How to Apply
Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.
About Other Legal Jobs in Gauteng
In the Gauteng province, the legal profession is a common career path for individuals seeking a challenging and rewarding role. Generally, this field is expected to continue growing in demand as companies require more skilled professionals to navigate complex regulatory environments.
Typically, salaries for legal positions in Gauteng vary widely depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. While it’s difficult to provide an exact salary range, broad estimates suggest that junior legal professionals can expect to earn between R400 000 to R700 000 per annum, while senior roles may fetch upwards of R1 million to R2.5 million per year. However, these figures are subject to significant variation and should be taken as rough estimates.
Common skills required for careers in the legal profession include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and writing skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of laws and regulations. Other essential skills often include project management, time management, and collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is also highly valued.
The legal profession is often employed by various industries, including financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and government institutions. In these sectors, lawyers play a critical role in advising on regulatory compliance, drafting contracts and agreements, and providing counsel on complex business matters.
Career development opportunities are abundant for those pursuing careers in the legal profession. Typically, junior lawyers can expect to progress to more senior roles within 5-10 years of experience, with potential specializations in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property law, or labor law. With experience and further education, professionals may also consider entering academia, entrepreneurship, or leadership positions.
This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.
GO APPLY NOW
Safe & secure application process
Explore More Opportunities
Get Similar Job Alerts
Job Seeker Tip
Keep copies of job descriptions for positions you apply to - they're useful for interview prep.
How to Apply
Click “GO APPLY NOW” to visit the company’s application page.
Follow their instructions carefully.
JVR Jobs connects you with employers – we don’t process applications directly.
Latest Job Opportunities
Midrand: Project Manager posted by Persona Staff
REQUIREMENTSMatric is essential.Accredited qualification in Project Management.Electrical qualification (recommended).Extensive experience in managing...
View JobSouth Africa: Design Engineer posted by Network Finance
Design and engineer solar PV systems (rooftop and ground-mounted)Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and energy yield analysisPrepare technical...
View JobJohannesburg North: Solar Sales Engineer posted by Network Finance
Job & Company Description:As a Solar Sales Engineer, you’ll bridge the gap between technical design and client needs. You’ll assess…
View JobJohannesburg North: Solar Business Developer posted by Network Finance
Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify and develop new business opportunities within the solar PV and renewable energy sectorDrive sales of turnkey solar solutions...
View JobGauteng: CNC Machine Operator posted by Network Finance
Job & Company description:Our client is a specialised engineering and manufacturing business supporting the mining sector with precision components and...
View JobCenturion: Mechanical Engineer posted by Network Finance
I partner with established organisations that demand precision and accountability, delivering exceptional Mechanical Engineers for long-term,...
View Job
Browse Employers
Job Alerts