Introduction
Our client, a global industry leader with a strong presence across Sub-Saharan Africa, is seeking a highly strategic and commercially astute Legal Counsel to join their executive leadership team.
This pivotal role serves as a strategic legal business partner to the Sub-Saharan Africa operations, providing expert guidance across diverse areas of law including corporate, competition, M&A, finance, IT and digital, trademarks, communications, and consumer protection. The successful incumbent will play a key role in shaping business strategy, driving compliance, and safeguarding the company’s legal and reputational integrity while enabling sustainable business growth.
As a member of both the RSA and SSA Zone Management Committees, this position offers significant influence over critical business decisions—requiring a professional who can effectively balance commercial priorities with regulatory, ethical, and governance considerations.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. Strategic Legal Leadership
Acts as the primary legal advisor to senior leadership, providing proactive, business-focused counsel across all operational areas, including marketing, sales, supply chain, digital, sustainability, and finance. Partners closely with HR, Ethics, Internal Control, and Regulatory teams, and plays an active role in executive decision-making to ensure sound, ethical, and compliant business practices.
2. Governance and Compliance
Leads the implementation of global compliance frameworks, including data privacy, anti-bribery, and competition law. Oversees statutory and regulatory compliance under the Companies Act, chairs or contributes to key committees (EE, B-BBEE, Public Affairs, Social & Ethics, and Corruption), and serves as an employer trustee on the Provident Fund Board. Ensures effective internal controls, policy training, and timely remediation of compliance gaps.
3. Contract Management & Commercial Support
Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of commercial agreements, supporting marketing, e-commerce, and supplier relationships. Provides legal guidance on product claims, promotional campaigns, and influencer marketing, while proactively managing commercial and reputational risk.
4. Dispute Resolution & Risk Management
Oversees litigation, disputes, and regulatory investigations, collaborating with external counsel to ensure efficient resolution and minimal business impact. Implements preventative risk strategies to safeguard the company’s brand and interests.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
Builds and maintains strong relationships with regulators, industry bodies, and external counsel. Works closely with Group Legal (Paris/HQ) to align local priorities with global strategy, acting as a key liaison between headquarters and regional operations.
Desired Experience & Qualification
• Postgraduate LLB
• Admission as an attorney
• +10 years PQE
• Min 5 years corporate Inhouse advisor
• Min 5 years leadership/team management
• FMCG experience an advantage but not essential
Package & Remuneration
If this role interest you please apply here on Pnet or visit follow our Linkedin Page for similar roles https://www.linkedin.com/company/kl-recruitment/?viewAsMember=true
You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more roles and interview/career tips -https://www.youtube.com/@klrecruitment
Interested?
If this role interest you please apply here on Pnet or visit follow our Linkedin Page for similar roles https://www.linkedin.com/company/kl-recruitment/?viewAsMember=true
You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more roles and interview/career tips -https://www.youtube.com/@klrecruitment
