Job Description:

Vacancy exists for a highly adaptable and results-driven Legal Manager to provide fast, accurate, and commercially sound legal advice across various aspects of the business. This role is situated in a high-volume, fast-paced environment requiring swift turnaround times and the ability to handle multiple complex matters simultaneously. The Legal Manager will report to and support the Head of Legal while also working closely with the Compliance team.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Legal Advice and Risk Mitigation:
• Act as a trusted legal advisor on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, litigation, consumer complaints, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation
• Conduct legal research and provide clear, proactive opinions to pre-empt legal and reputational risks
• Contracts:
  • Draft, vet, and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial agreements, including but not limited to: leases, procurement, marketing, employment, software licenses, data privacy, NDAs, banking/facility agreements, and other bespoke contracts
  • Continuously refine and manage the contract template database
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation:
• Take charge of consumer disputes, including handling Motor Industry Ombudsman (MIOSA) and National Consumer Commission (NCC) matters through to finalization
• Manage the litigation portfolio, including: drafting letters of demand, liaising with external counsel, controlling litigation spend, reviewing pleadings, and driving settlements (where applicable)
• Draft affidavits and liaise with law enforcement on criminal matters, including vehicle impoundments
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Stay up to date on legislative developments affecting the automotive industry and proactively advise internal teams
• Assist with managing data breaches and security incidents, including drafting notifications to the Information Regulator
• Conduct internal legal training to ensure business-wide compliance
• Other:
• Draft and update company policies in collaboration with relevant departments
• Provide support on intellectual property matters, including trade mark registrations and infringement issues
• Work closely with the Compliance team on regulatory matters
• Update relevant sections of Board Reports
• Support the Head of Legal as required.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• Strong commercial acumen – ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice
• Exceptional time management skills and prioritisation – comfortable handling tight deadlines and high workloads
• Superior drafting skills – ability to draft clear legal documents with legal accuracy and precision
• Agility and resilience – able to manage competing priorities with a solutions-driven mindset
• Meticulous attention to detail – ensuring accuracy despite fast turnaround times
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills – ability to work cross-functionally with teams at all levels

 Requirements (Essential):

• LLB / Law qualification from a recognised university
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• 4-6 years post-admission experience
• At least 1-2 year/s experience as an in-house counsel

Package Includes:

• Provident Fund
• 18 Days Annual Leave 
• Market Related Salary