Legal Services Executive

SUMMARY:
Our client based in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth is a well-established group with diverse business interests spanning retail, distribution and logistics, as well as a number of other sectors. They are seeking an experienced Legal Services Executive to provide strategic legal guidance and support at Group Executive level.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Corporate & Commercial Legal Support Provide legal advice on major commercial and strategic transactions. Draft, review and negotiate agreements relating to: Mergers and acquisitions Joint ventures and strategic partnerships Funding arrangements and equity structures Business acquisitions and disposals Corporate restructures and reorganisations Conduct legal due diligence on potential investments and transactions. Identify legal, commercial, tax and regulatory risks and recommend appropriate solutions. Governance & Compliance Provide oversight of Group-wide legal and corporate governance requirements. Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, King IV principles and relevant internal governance frameworks. Monitor compliance with competition legislation and other applicable regulatory requirements. Review and maintain Group policies, delegations of authority and compliance registers. Provide guidance relating to board processes, resolutions, shareholder matters and statutory requirements. Regulatory & Sector Advisory Provide legal guidance to businesses operating across various industries. Advise on licensing, regulatory and operational compliance requirements. Areas of exposure may include: Energy and NERSA-related matters Food, beverage and dairy regulations Fishing, quotas and export requirements Agricultural processing Gambling and associated licensing requirements Environmental and other sector-specific legislation Monitor legislative developments and assess their potential impact on the Group. Strategic & Executive Support Participate in Group-level strategic planning and investment decisions. Provide legal input into capital allocation, restructuring and portfolio optimisation. Prepare legal opinions and recommendations for Executive Management, the Board and relevant committees. Work closely with external attorneys, advocates, regulators and transaction advisors. Provide practical and commercially focused legal advice to senior management. Support the Group in identifying opportunities while ensuring appropriate legal and regulatory risk management. Key Competencies Commercially astute with a strong business focus. Strategic and analytical thinker. Excellent negotiation and influencing skills. Strong attention to detail. Able to translate complex legal matters into clear business recommendations. Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities. Professional, ethical and highly confidential. Able to manage multiple high-value matters and deadlines simultaneously. Minimum Requirements LLB degree is essential. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa. A postgraduate qualification in Corporate Law, Tax Law or Competition Law will be advantageous. Extensive experience in a senior commercial\/corporate legal environment. Strong experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Sound knowledge of: Mergers and acquisitions Corporate restructures and reorganisations Tax implications of corporate transactions Competition law Equity and preference share structures Corporate and regulatory compliance Experience providing legal advice across multiple business sectors. Strong commercial understanding with the ability to assess legal risk while considering business objectives. Excellent analytical, negotiation, drafting and problem-solving abilities. Experience dealing with external legal advisors and multidisciplinary teams. Strong executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and operate effectively under pressure. High level of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.