Johannesburg: Legal & Compliance Officer

Overview This is a broad, hands-on role covering the full spectrum of day-to-day legal and compliance requirements, including commercial agreements, employment matters, regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management. The successful candidate will serve as the primary internal legal resource for the group, working closely with executive leadership and various business units, while liaising with external legal specialists where required. The role requires someone who is equally comfortable drafting and reviewing agreements, advising on employment matters, improving compliance frameworks, and managing legal risk in a professional, diverse, and entrepreneurial environment with a strong focus on ethics and compliance. Minimum Requirements LLB qualification from a recognised South African university. Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa in good standing. No adverse disciplinary record or findings. Minimum 5 years work experience (including articles, in-house or corporate exposure). Rotation during articles across more than one area of speciality. Strong commercial contracts experience, including drafting and reviewing. Demonstrated experience advising on regulatory and compliance matters. Exposure to employment law matters. Strong drafting ability and high intellectual capability. Strong academic track record. Exceptional attention to detail. Exceptional commitment to excellence. Advantageous Experience in financial services, property, construction, professional services, or a similarly regulated environment. Familiarity with POPIA and FICA compliance frameworks. Exposure to property law and commercial lease agreements. Exposure to construction law, including NEC, JBCC, or similar standard-form contracts. Exposure to construction or infrastructure disputes, including adjudication or arbitration. Experience with commercial property transactions or lease management. Exposure to employment law and HR legal support. Experience managing external counsel and litigation portfolios. Key Responsibilities Contracts Draft, review, and co-negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including service agreements, mandate/engagement letters, supplier contracts, NDAs, fee arrangements, and related agreements. Manage, improve and maintain the legal agreements template library. Oversee the full lifecycle of operational contracts, including renewals, amendments, notice periods, cancellations, breaches, and terminations. Advise internally on contractual risk and recommend appropriate protections. Advise on ongoing contractual compliance matters. Legal Advice & Risk Management Serve as the first point of contact for internal legal queries across the group. Provide proactive legal advice on operational and strategic matters, identifying and mitigating legal and reputational risk. Research and prepare legal guidance notes on matters relevant to the business. Manage the instruction of external counsel, review legal opinions, and ensure cost-effective engagement with legal advisors. Property, Construction & Infrastructure Review, negotiate, and manage commercial lease agreements for office and site premises. Advise on property-related legal matters including occupation rights, servitudes, notarial arrangements, and site access requirements. Provide legal support on construction and engineering contracts, including NEC, JBCC, FIDIC-style agreements, and subcontractor arrangements. Advise on regulatory and compliance matters within the construction and civils sector. Support the identification and management of construction-related risk. Disputes & Litigation Manage pre-litigation disputes, including demand letters, negotiations, and settlements. Oversee construction and contractual disputes, including adjudication, mediation, and arbitration proceedings where applicable. Instruct and manage external litigation counsel, review pleadings, and maintain oversight of active matters. Draft, review, and oversee dispute resolution documentation. Provide management with regular updates on active and potential legal proceedings. Regulatory & Legislative Compliance Monitor, obtain external advice on, and communicate legislative developments relevant to the business. Manage POPIA compliance programmes, including policies, records, data subject rights management, and breach response protocols. Oversee FICA compliance obligations, including client due diligence, KYC procedures, and ongoing monitoring. Ensure the business remains informed of regulatory developments and provide actionable compliance guidance. Liaise with regulatory bodies and manage submissions, correspondence, and reporting obligations. Policies & Governance Review, draft, update, and maintain internal policies and procedures. Conduct regular policy reviews and updates in response to regulatory or operational changes. Support leadership teams with reporting on legal and compliance matters. Assist in the preparation of management reports, presentations, and governance documentation. Employment & HR Legal Support Draft and review employment contracts, contractor agreements, and offer letters. Advise on employment law matters including disciplinary processes, terminations, and workplace disputes. Ensure employment practices remain compliant with applicable labour legislation. IP & Trademarks Manage and protect intellectual property, including trademarks and brand assets. Identify and respond to intellectual property infringements. Advise on IP-related matters arising from business activities and commercial arrangements.