Legal Advisor - Management

SUMMARY:
A vacancy exists for a Manager: Legal Advisor (Africa) within the Legal Governance & Compliance Department, for our client based in Kariega, Eastern Cape.

POSITION INFO:
This role oversees all legal matters for the Group’s African region (excluding South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini) and provides expert legal support across various fields of law (excluding Labour Law).

This position is flexible, candidate can be based either in Kariega at the main plant, or in Sandton. Hybrid working - 3 days a week in office. This role will require travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Offer legal advisory services, including drafting agreements, negotiating disputes, and providing business advice for the African region.
• Manage commercial agreements (Importer, Distributor, Dealer, Assembly, and other contracts), ensuring risk, liability, and compliance considerations are addressed.
• Provide legal support to ensure compliance with legislation and Group directives.
• Stay informed on legal developments, particularly within the Motor Industry, to ensure internal compliance and timely reporting to the Board of Management.
• Represent Group in legal forums and oversee litigation and dispute resolution, minimizing reputational damage and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Protect the Group's intellectual property and support the Integrity, Risk, and Compliance Department as needed.
• Collaborate with internal departments, subsidiaries, and external legal practitioners.
• Lead training initiatives related to legal compliance and provide presentations as required.

• LLB Degree, with post-graduate qualifications in commercial law preferred.
• Completed Articles.
• Admission as an Attorney/Advocate.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in commercial law (post-admission), ideally within the automotive or related industries.
• Experience working in a Multi-National company with exposure to other African countries/territories

• Strong expertise in corporate, commercial, contract, competition, consumer protection, and data protection law.
• Knowledge of Intellectual Property legislation (e.g., Trademarks, Copyright).
• Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of interpersonal, communication, and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in computer literacy and ability to handle cultural diversity.