Executive Head: Legal, Compliance and Public Affairs

A prestigious multinational company is seeking a hands-on, commercially minded, and versatile generalist to step into the role of Executive Head of Legal, Compliance, and Public Affairs. This role requires a leader who can take charge of key legal, compliance, and public affairs functions, ensuring strategic alignment and risk management across the organisation.  

Education:
– Relevant legal qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Laws)
– Completion of articles and board examinations
– Admitted as an attorney or advocate
– Ongoing legal training and updates from law firms and corporate lawyers’ associations

Skills/Experience required:
– 10+ years of relevant experience as a practicing legal counsel.
– At least 5 years in a senior role, leading a team of legal counsels.
– Understanding of the South African property sector and its legislation
– Awareness of commercial impacts on business operations

Job Description:
– Legal Leadership: Oversee company’s legal function, ensuring risk mitigation and alignment with business strategy.
– Contract Management: Negotiate, draft, review, and enforce contracts; manage the contract repository and approval processes.
– Dispute Resolution: Develop strategies to prevent and resolve legal disputes efficiently, guiding business units on solutions.
– Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to South African and international regulations (e.g., FCPA, OFAC), manage statutory requirements, and provide company secretarial support.
– Risk & Reporting: Oversee compliance reporting, governance, and REIT obligations while staying updated on legislative changes.
– HSEQ & Facilities: Manage health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) functions, including office management and regulatory compliance.
– Mergers & Acquisitions Support: Assist the Regional M&A team with due diligence and legal implementation of acquisitions.
– Stakeholder Management & Public Affairs: Manage external stakeholders, influence policies, communicate sustainability objectives, and implement public affairs strategies. Handle media relations and mitigate reputational risks.
– Financial Management: Manage the legal budget, oversee debt collection, and enforce contractual obligations.
– People Management: Inspire and lead the team, oversee recruitment and development, ensure performance management, promote a culture of learning, and drive staff engagement. Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure fair recognition and reward.