26 Head Of Legal jobs in South Africa

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Responsible for the company secretarial function and responsibilities may include other administrative requirements of the

organisation. Responsible for ensuring that all statutory requirements and particularly those specified by the Company's Act are

complied with.

The Executive Head - Legal and Company Secretariat is a key leadership position within the bank's legal department. This role is

responsible for providing strategic guidance, legal advice, and overseeing the company secretarial function. The Executive Head

plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance, managing legal risks, and safeguarding the bank's interests.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Legal Counsel:

Provide efficient effective legal support services, advice and guidance to the Board, the bank's senior management team as well as

any other business units

Analyse and understand complex legal and regulatory risks that could affect the bank's operations and activities.

Draft and review of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the bank's interests.

Stay updated with new laws, regulations, and industry developments, and advise the bank on potential impacts.

Development of legal strategy and policies.

Management and coordination of the IP Portfolio.

Manage legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory investigations in coordination with external legal counsel.

Ensure adherence to corporate governance principles and legal compliance across the organisation.

Company Secretarial Function:

Oversee the company secretarial function, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and corporate governance standards.

Prepare and manage board and committee meetings, including agenda setting, minutes, and resolutions.

Maintain accurate records, registers, and filings as required by law and regulatory authorities.

Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters and best practices.

Coordinate the appointment, induction, and training of board members and ensure effective communication between the board and

management.

Regulatory Compliance:

Monitor and interpret banking and financial regulations to ensure compliance.

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and adherence to compliance standards.

Liaise with regulatory authorities and respond to inquiries, examinations, and audits.

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead and manage a team, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Recruit and retain talented professionals to support the bank's operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Post graduate Diploma and Professional in Management Sciences/ Generic Management

Registration / NQF level 8

EXPERIENCE: 12 YEARS

PROFESSIONAL BODY

LSSA - Law Society of South Africa

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

Attorney

COMPETENCIES

Behavioural Competency

Consistently achieve results, even under difficult circumstances, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm and holds self and others accountable to meet commitments

Favours data and imperial evidence over opinion and/or intuition, making connections between data and business results. Making data-led decisions, commercialising data.

Step up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Consistently act in accordance with moral, ethical, professional standards and is authentic in one's interaction with others.

Meeting and exceeding customer needs while cultivating relationships that secure commitment and trust, ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities.

Leadership Competency

Provide excellent leadership and/or management to help others explore and perform at their best. Motivate, develop and inspire self and others to be creative and achieve high performance whilst still having have fun.

Recognising and responding positively to the need for change, identifying opportunities for change and moving quickly and efficiently in response to nonstop change

Technical Competency

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Provides information people need to know to do their jobs.

Provides individuals information so they can make accurate decisions. Is timely with information.

Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed as appropriate. Demonstrates good written, oral, and

listening skills. Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.

Systematically exploring and reviewing information in order to discover meaningful patterns that assist to complete a task or make a decision.

Discipline

Support Services. Risk and Compliance. Support Services.

Area of Experience

Company Secretarial Leadership Essential. Legal Leadership Essential. Executive Experience Essential.

This position is advertised in line with our commitment to Employment Equity.

Primary Purpose
Responsible for the company secretarial function and responsibilities may include other administrative requirements of the

organisation. Responsible for ensuring that all statutory requirements and particularly those specified by the Company's Act are

complied with.

The Executive Head - Legal and Company Secretariat is a key leadership position within the bank's legal department. This role is

responsible for providing strategic guidance, legal advice, and overseeing the company secretarial function. The Executive Head

plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance, managing legal risks, and safeguarding the bank's interests.

Job Description
Legal Counsel:
Provide efficient effective legal support services, advice and guidance to the Board, the bank's senior management team as well as

any other business units

Analyse and understand complex legal and regulatory risks that could affect the bank's operations and activities.

Draft and review of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the bank's interests.

Stay updated with new laws, regulations, and industry developments, and advise the bank on potential impacts.

Development of legal strategy and policies.

Management and coordination of the IP Portfolio.

Manage legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory investigations in coordination with external legal counsel.

Ensure adherence to corporate governance principles and legal compliance across the organisation.

Company Secretarial Function
Oversee the company secretarial function, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and corporate governance standards.

Prepare and manage board and committee meetings, including agenda setting, minutes, and resolutions.

Maintain accurate records, registers, and filings as required by law and regulatory authorities.

Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters and best practices.

Coordinate the appointment, induction, and training of board members and ensure effective communication between the board and

management.

Regulatory Compliance
Monitor and interpret banking and financial regulations to ensure compliance.

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and adherence to compliance standards.

Liaise with regulatory authorities and respond to inquiries, examinations, and audits.

Team Leadership And Development
Lead and manage a team, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Recruit and retain talented professionals to support the bank's operations.

Qualifications
Post graduate Diploma and Professional in Management Sciences/ Generic Management

Registration / NQF level 8

EXPERIENCE:
12 YEARS

PROFESSIONAL BODY
LSSA - Law Society of South Africa

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
Attorney

COMPETENCIES
Behavioural Competency
Consistently achieve results, even under difficult circumstances, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm and holds self and others accountable to meet commitments

Favours data and imperial evidence over opinion and/or intuition, making connections between data and business results. Making data-led decisions, commercialising data.

Step up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Consistently act in accordance with moral, ethical, professional standards and is authentic in one's interaction with others.

Meeting and exceeding customer needs while cultivating relationships that secure commitment and trust, ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities.

Leadership Competency
Provide excellent leadership and/or management to help others explore and perform at their best. Motivate, develop and inspire self and others to be creative and achieve high performance whilst still having have fun.

Recognising and responding positively to the need for change, identifying opportunities for change and moving quickly and efficiently in response to nonstop change

Technical Competency
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Provides information people need to know to do their jobs.

Provides individuals information so they can make accurate decisions. Is timely with information.

Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed as appropriate. Demonstrates good written, oral, and

listening skills. Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.

Systematically exploring and reviewing information in order to discover meaningful patterns that assist to complete a task or make a decision.

Discipline
Support Services. Risk and Compliance. Support Services.

Area Of Experience
Company Secretarial Leadership Essential. Legal Leadership Essential. Executive Experience Essential.

This position is advertised in line with our commitment to Employment Equity.

Closing Date

2025/09/25

Reference Number

SAS

Job Title

Head of Legal

Job Type

Permanent

Division

Governance and Secretariat

Department

Legal

EE Occupational Levels

Level 7: Middle and Senior Management

Location - Town / City

Sandton

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Job Advert Summary

To develop and drive the successful delivery of the Legal strategy and the effective running of the function, ensuring the attainment of Sasria objectives internally and externally through provision of sound legal risk management expertise.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Master's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Management, Law, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Admitted Legal Practitioner, registered with the Legal Practice Council.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant management experience, leading a legal function, resolution of disputes and differences including performance management issues, interacting with and providing legal advisory services to executive management.
• Experience in managing and resolving complex issues, legal and litigation matters.
• Key stakeholder engagement and influence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively direct and oversee the Legal function, ensuring that the organisation remains compliant with all relevant legal prescripts including legislation, regulations and directives.
• Collaborate with the executive management team to provide legal advice to and advance Sasria's interest.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to the company in terms of the legal impact of strategic plans and actions – locally or internationally.
• Develop and implement legal risk management framework, strategies, policies, ensuring alignment with the overall organisational strategy.
• Develop the function's operational plans and monitor implementation thereof.

• Be the strategic and technical lead on legal and legal risk management matters.
• Provide legal services and guidance to the organisation as needed on matters including contracts, short term insurance, labour law, and company law among others.
• Provide general legal advice pertaining to organisational decisions regarding scope, mandate, and shareholder interactions.
• In collaboration with the executive management, manage various complex legal projects and litigation.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and other stakeholders to facilitate and ensure attainment of organisational objectives.

Compliance

• Collaborate with the Compliance Function to ensure that the framework for Legal and Compliance risk management is in alignment with Sasria's enterprise risk management.

• Oversee management of contracts and service level agreements.
• Drive the reduction of Corporate Risk by ensuring all contractual relationships are done in compliance with Sasria and legal requirements.
• Facilitate the appointment and management of the panel of attorneys.
• Represent Sasria in regulatory forums (e.g., SAIA legal committee).
• Participate in Risk and Audit Committee meetings as invited and provide necessary reports on a regular basis and in accordance with applicable governance frameworks including Prudential Standards, King Code IV & compliance standards.

• Compile and manage functional budget forecasts.
• Manage legal costs where applicable and oversee the taxation of costs.

• Ensure adequate capacity resourcing for the function to successfully execute its mandate.
• Recruit and develop skilled staff.
• Oversee, support, coach, and develop performance of direct reports, ensuring agreed performance targets are met.
• Address non-performance accordingly.
• Talent management of direct reports, including career development and succession planning for key positions.
• Ensure that the working environment contributes to improving staff morale and increasing productivity.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally. It is company policy to promote from within wherever possible. Therefore, please be aware that internal candidates will be considered first before reviewing external applicants, provided that this supports achievement of our Employment Equity goals.

Major Requirement: Must have Business Banking experience

Client Summary:

Our client is a prominent and respected financial institution, deeply embedded in the economic landscape. They are committed to driving growth and innovation within the banking sector, offering a dynamic and strategic environment for their leadership team. With a strong focus on robust governance and ethical practices, they are a key player dedicated to safeguarding stakeholder interests and delivering exceptional financial services.

Job Description:

Embark on a pivotal leadership journey as our client's Executive Head of Legal & Company Secretariat. This is a strategic executive role where you will be instrumental in shaping the legal and governance framework of a leading financial organization. You will provide high-level strategic guidance, expert legal counsel, and oversee critical company secretarial functions. This is an unparalleled opportunity to influence the bank's direction, manage significant legal risks, and ensure unwavering compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements. If you are a visionary leader with a profound understanding of corporate law and governance, eager to make a tangible impact in a complex and rewarding environment, this role is for you.

Responsibilities:

* Provide strategic legal counsel and support to the Board, senior management, and business units, ensuring effective and efficient legal services.

* Analyze and interpret complex legal and regulatory risks affecting the bank's operations and proactively develop mitigation strategies.

* Draft, review, and approve contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to safeguard the bank's interests.

* Stay abreast of evolving laws, regulations, and industry developments, advising the bank on potential impacts and strategic responses.

* Develop and implement robust legal strategies and policies aligned with the organization's objectives.

* Oversee and manage the bank's Intellectual Property portfolio.

* Lead and manage legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory investigations, coordinating with external counsel where necessary.

* Ensure strict adherence to corporate governance principles and legal compliance across the entire organization.

* Spearhead the company secretarial function, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and corporate governance standards.

* Prepare for and manage board and committee meetings, including agenda setting, minute-taking, and resolution management.

* Maintain accurate statutory records, registers, and filings as mandated by law and regulatory authorities.

* Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters and best practices.

* Coordinate the appointment, induction, and training of board members, fostering effective communication between the board and management.

* Monitor and interpret banking and financial regulations, ensuring comprehensive compliance.

* Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and adherence to compliance standards.

* Liaise with regulatory authorities, responding to inquiries, examinations, and audits.

* Lead and manage a high-performing team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.

* Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the legal and secretarial functions.

* Recruit and retain talented professionals to support the bank's strategic objectives.

Requirements:

Must-Haves:

* Postgraduate Diploma.

* Admitted Attorney with the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).

* Up to 12 years of progressive experience in Legal and Company Secretarial leadership roles within the financial services sector.

* Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams.

* Proven track record in risk and compliance management within a legal context.

* Expertise in providing strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management and boards.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex, strategic issues affecting multiple business areas.

* Experience in drafting and amending contracts and legal documents.

* Strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to see the "big picture" and shape the future.

* Strong customer-centric approach, building relationships that secure commitment and trust.

* Experience in managing significant financial risk and making decisions as part of a board or senior management team.

If you have not heard from us in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful but do keep an eye open for future opportunities on our social platforms.

The Client

Our client is a consulting firm specialising in providing high quality advisory services to clients in the financial services and corporate sectors .They are establishing a presence in South Africa, and seeking a Head of Legal to lead the commercial legal function of the firm.

Job Purpose

The role exists to provide strategic leadership, expert legal advice, and commercial oversight in support of the firm's global risk and compliance practice. A key focus will be advising on incorporations, corporate structures, governance, and regulatory compliance, while also managing complex commercial contracts and client engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the commercial and legal strategy of the firm in alignment with global objectives.
• Drive growth of the commercial practice through business development, client acquisition, and retention.
• Lead regional and cross-border initiatives to strengthen the firm's position in risk, compliance, and corporate advisory services.
• Represent the firm with regulators, industry bodies, and global stakeholders.

Legal Advisory

• Provide expert advice on incorporations, structuring, and licensing of businesses across multiple jurisdictions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Advise on corporate governance frameworks, company secretarial matters, and regulatory compliance obligations.
• Support cross-border transactions, ensuring alignment with local laws and global compliance standards.
• Act as the escalation point for complex legal queries across the global business.

Commercial Management

• Lead the structuring and negotiation of client engagements, fee arrangements, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify new market opportunities and lead service line expansion in commercial legal and compliance advisory.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

People & Office Leadership

• Establish and manage regional legal and commercial teams, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Mentor and develop junior team members and support staff.
• Drive knowledge-sharing and best practices across the firm's global offices.
• Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to firm-wide strategy and decision-making.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge of corporate and commercial law across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong business development and client relationship management skills.
• Commercially minded with financial acumen and the ability to contribute to business strategy.
• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities.
• High-level communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a practical, solution-oriented approach.

Experience

• Minimum 10–12 years post-qualification experiences in corporate and commercial law.
• Strong track record advising on incorporations, corporate structuring, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multinational corporations, regulators, and cross-border teams.
• Prior leadership or senior management experience within a legal, GRC consultancy, or professional services firm.

Qualifications

• Law Degree: LLB (or equivalent) from a recognized institution; LLM in Commercial or Corporate Law essential for this role.
• Admitted to practice law in South Africa (additional admission in other common law jurisdictions is a plus).

We're on the hunt for a Head of Legal. Are you passionate about enabling business growth through sound legal frameworks, proactive risk management, and regulatory insight? Do you thrive in a collaborative team? If so, we're eager to learn more about you

As Head of Legal, you will lead the legal response to regulatory developments, embed legal input into business planning and product design, and manage legal risk across the organisation. You will oversee contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and external legal relationships, ensuring legal advice is practical, commercially viable, and aligned with business goals. You will bring deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, leadership in legal risk management, experience with complex commercial contracts, and the ability to influence stakeholders and translate legal requirements into business processes.

If you have the following:

• An LLB degree and admission as an Attorney or Advocate
• At least 10 years' post-admission experience, including 5 years in the insurance or financial services sector
• 3–5 years in a senior legal role, with experience advising executive leadership or board-level stakeholders
• A strong track record in negotiating commercial contracts and applying legislation such as FAIS, LTIA/STIA, POPIA, and FICA

We'd love to hear from you

To develop and drive the successful delivery of the Legal strategy and the effective running of the function, ensuring the attainment of Sasria objectives internally and externally through provision of sound legal risk management expertise.

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Master's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Management, Law, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Admitted Legal Practitioner, registered with the Legal Practice Council.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant management experience, leading a legal function, resolution of disputes and differences including performance management issues, interacting with and providing legal advisory services to executive management.
• Experience in managing and resolving complex issues, legal and litigation matters.
• Key stakeholder engagement and influence.

• Proactively direct and oversee the Legal function, ensuring that the organisation remains compliant with all relevant legal prescripts including legislation, regulations and directives.
• Collaborate with the executive management team to provide legal advice to and advance Sasria's interest.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to the company in terms of the legal impact of strategic plans and actions – locally or internationally.
• Develop and implement legal risk management framework, strategies, policies, ensuring alignment with the overall organisational strategy.
• Develop the function's operational plans and monitor implementation thereof.

• Be the strategic and technical lead on legal and legal risk management matters.
• Provide legal services and guidance to the organisation as needed on matters including contracts, short term insurance, labour law, and company law among others.
• Provide general legal advice pertaining to organisational decisions regarding scope, mandate, and shareholder interactions.
• In collaboration with the executive management, manage various complex legal projects and litigation.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and other stakeholders to facilitate and ensure attainment of organisational objectives.

Compliance

• Collaborate with the Compliance Function to ensure that the framework for Legal and Compliance risk management is in alignment with Sasria's enterprise risk management.

• Oversee management of contracts and service level agreements.
• Drive the reduction of Corporate Risk by ensuring all contractual relationships are done in compliance with Sasria and legal requirements.
• Facilitate the appointment and management of the panel of attorneys.
• Represent Sasria in regulatory forums (e.g., SAIA legal committee).
• Participate in Risk and Audit Committee meetings as invited and provide necessary reports on a regular basis and in accordance with applicable governance frameworks including Prudential Standards, King Code IV & compliance standards.

• Compile and manage functional budget forecasts.
• Manage legal costs where applicable and oversee the taxation of costs.

• Ensure adequate capacity resourcing for the function to successfully execute its mandate.
• Recruit and develop skilled staff.
• Oversee, support, coach, and develop performance of direct reports, ensuring agreed performance targets are met.
• Address non-performance accordingly.
• Talent management of direct reports, including career development and succession planning for key positions.
• Ensure that the working environment contributes to improving staff morale and increasing productivity.

A well-established short term insurer is seeking to appoint a Head of Legal

To develop and drive the successful delivery of the Legal strategy and the effective running of the function, ensuring the attainment of objectives internally and externally through provision of sound legal risk management expertise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Master 's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Management, Law, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Admitted Legal Practitioner, registered with the Legal Practice Council.
• Must come from short -term insurance or financial sector background

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant management experience, leading a legal function, resolution of disputes and differences including performance management issues, interacting with and providing legal advisory services to executive management.
• Experience in managing and resolving complex issues, legal and litigation matters.
• Key stakeholder engagement and influence.
• Proactively direct and oversee the Legal function, ensuring that the organisation remains compliant with all relevant legal prescripts including legislation, regulations and directives.
• Provide legal services and guidance to the organization as needed on matters including contracts, short term insurance, labour law, and company law among others.
• Provide general legal advice pertaining to organizational decisions regarding scope, mandate, and shareholder interactions.
• Oversee management of contracts and service level agreements.
• Drive the reduction of Corporate Risk by ensuring all contractual relationships are done in compliance with legal requirements.
• Facilitate the appointment and management of the panel of attorneys.

Please note that if you have not received a response within 14 days of submitting your application that your application was unsuccessful.

However, please keep a lookout on our website, for available positions which may be inline with your career aspirations.

For more information please contact:

Audra King

To develop and drive the successful delivery of the Legal strategy and the effective running of the function, ensuring the attainment of Sasria objectives internally and externally through provision of sound legal risk management expertise.