Senior Legal Counsel
Description
The Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for providing practical business-minded legal support to Ford South Africa with a primary focus on labour and HR-related matters. The role serves as a trusted legal advisor to the business on day-to-day legal questions turning complex legal requirements into clear actionable guidance that supports operational effectiveness and compliance.
This position is accountable for advising on disciplinary hearings CCMA matters Labour Court disputes general labour law issues and broader HR-related legal matters. The role also supports the interpretation and application of applicable legislation company policies and procedures while helping to identify and mitigate legal risk. The Labour Attorney works independently on assigned matters and reports directly to the General Counsel.
Responsibilities
Labour and HR Legal Advisory
oProvide timely and practical legal advice on labour law and HR-related matters across Ford South Africa.
oAdvise management and HR teams on disciplinary processes grievances performance management misconduct incapacity and dismissal matters.
oSupport and guide the business on CCMA matters Labour Court disputes and related labour litigation.
oDraft review and advise on labour-related correspondence notices warnings settlement agreements and legal documentation.
oInterpret and apply applicable labour legislation collective agreements policies and procedures.
oSupport the business in ensuring legally compliant and fair labour practices.
Litigation and Dispute Management
oManage and oversee labour-related disputes and litigation matters including CCMA and Labour Court processes.
oLiaise with external counsel where required and coordinate the preparation of case materials instructions and documentation.
oAssess legal risk provide recommendations and support resolution strategies that balance legal exposure and business needs.
oMaintain accurate records of matters correspondence outcomes and follow-up actions.
oSupport the management of other legal disputes as required including commercial civil and criminal matters where relevant.
Legal Counsel and Business Partnering
oServe as a core member of the OGC South Africa team and coordinate with regional and global OGC counterparts to align legal strategies and maintain consistency.
oProvide business-minded legal guidance to Ford South Africa legal entities including Ford Credit and partner with key functions such as Manufacturing HR Sales Marketing and other.
oSupport the General Counsel on complex or novel issues by validating advice coordinating inputs and engaging external counsel when appropriate.
oDeliver legal advice in a way that is clear practical and responsive to operational needs.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
oSupport Fords compliance program in South Africa with particular focus on legal and ethical compliance in labour and HR-related matters.
oMonitor changes to applicable legislation and advise the business on new or amended laws and legal requirements.
oProvide advice on regulatory matters affecting Ford South Africa including legal risks arising from business operations and employment practices.
oAssist with compliance-related investigations policy governance and remediation actions as needed.
Contracting and Documentation
oDraft review and negotiate legal agreements correspondence and other documentation as required.
oReview letters policies and employee communications for legal and regulatory compliance.
oSupport the business with legal input on contracts supplier matters and other operational documents where labour or HR implications arise.
oEnsure legal documentation is accurate well-structured and aligned with Ford requirements.
Core Legal Operations and Administration
oManage matter tracking filing and document control for assigned legal matters.
oPrepare concise reports legal updates and case summaries for stakeholders and leadership.
oMaintain organized legal records and support efficient legal operations.
oLiaise with Ford local representatives and external stakeholders on government-related or regulatory matters in the South African market as required.
Continuous Legal and Business Support
oConduct research on new and amended legislation and provide practical guidance to the business.
oBuild specialist expertise in selected legal areas relevant to the business such as compliance labour law AML distribution marketing sales or litigation management.
oSupport the adoption of modern tools legal workflows and efficient ways of working.
oContribute to a culture of integrity transparency service orientation and teamwork.
General Counsel
oDirect reporting line; provide legal support recommendations and updates on key matters.
Human Resources
oAdvise on disciplinary matters employee relations policy interpretation labour disputes and HR compliance.
Manufacturing Leadership
oSupport labour-related legal issues operational disputes and site-level legal guidance.
Sales and Marketing Teams
oProvide legal review and advice on commercial regulatory and labour-related implications where relevant.
Finance / Ford Credit / Other Business Functions
oSupport entity-specific legal matters and compliance requirements.
Regional and Global OGC Teams
oCoordinate to align legal strategies share best practices and ensure consistency.
External Counsel
oEngage and manage external legal advisors where required.
Government and Regulatory Bodies
oLiaise on legal labour or compliance matters when necessary.
Employees and Management
oProvide advice and support in a professional fair and confidential manner.
Qualifications
Education
oMinimum legal qualification such as B Iuris LLB BA LLB B Com LLB or equivalent.
Experience
oAdmission as an Attorney or Advocate
oCompleted articles and admission to practice as a legal professional.
o7 years post-articles experience with preference for candidates who have 7 or more years of relevant experience.
oExperience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment is strongly advantageous.
oStrong understanding of labour law NBF framework and other legal processes.
oExposure to corporate legal advisory work litigation management and regulatory compliance is beneficial.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1