General Counsel, Johannesburg

Please note this position is based in Qatar, the Middle East. All Relocation Costs will be covered by the client.

The General Counsel is responsible for the effective and efficient management of all legal aspects of the organisation and its subsidiaries. This role works closely with senior management, business unit heads, and external stakeholders to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The incumbent will provide expert legal advice on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters while reducing legal and contractual risks. Operating at a managerial level, the General Counsel will lead the legal team, oversee negotiations, draft and review contracts and agreements, and represent the organisation when required.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Legal Department, ensuring high standards of quality, productivity, and compliance.

• Develop and implement legal policies, procedures, and internal controls across all business units.

• Provide strategic legal counsel to senior management on key business decisions and corporate governance matters.

• Oversee corporate compliance frameworks and ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Spearhead critical negotiations and oversee the review of contracts to ensure risk mitigation.

Legal Advisory & Compliance:

• Review and draft contracts, agreements, and policies to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

• Evaluate and mitigate potential legal risks arising from business operations and transactions.

• Provide proactive legal advice and support to management and business unit heads.

• Monitor changes in legislation and advise management accordingly.

• Offer legal protection and risk management guidance, particularly regarding contract administration.

Contract Management:

• Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements.

• Assess existing contractual arrangements to identify and mitigate legal exposure.

• Translate legal documents between English and Arabic, ensuring accuracy in legal terminology.

• Prepare and maintain a contractual checklist to ensure timely submission and execution of all agreements.

External Relations:

• Liaise with ministries, authorities, regulators, and external legal counsel as required.

• Represent the organisation in legal proceedings and official engagements when necessary.

General:

• Ensure that legal strategies and actions support the organisation's overall business objectives.

• Undertake any additional duties relevant to business and operational requirements.

Key Relationships:

• Internal: Executive Management, SBU Heads, and Department Heads

• External: Ministries, Local Authorities, Government Institutions, and Regulatory Bodies

Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (specialization in Corporate or Commercial Law) – Essential

• Master’s Degree in Law or Business Administration – Preferred

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience as Legal Counsel in a commercial or corporate environment.

• At least 5 years in a senior managerial role, with a proven record in contract negotiation and drafting.

• Demonstrated success in leading legal teams and managing compliance within large organisations.

• Strong familiarity with Middle Eastern legal systems and commercial frameworks is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic (written and verbal).

• Strong knowledge of corporate, commercial, and contract law.

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop legal teams.

• High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and sound judgment.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to provide practical legal solutions.