Principal Consultant Legal

An exciting opportunity exists for an accomplished legal professional to play a pivotal role in high-value complex M&A and Business Development transactions within a large multi-jurisdictional organisation.
This role sits at the intersection of law strategy investment and commercial growth providing senior legal expertise across mergers and acquisitions joint ventures restructurings divestments capital markets and other strategic transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on the legal aspects of complex M&A and Business Development transactions.
• Draft negotiate and finalise sophisticated transaction and commercial agreements.
• Lead legal due diligence across prospective acquisitions investments and strategic opportunities.
• Advise on acquisitions joint ventures divestments restructurings mergers and fundraising transactions.
• Develop contractual frameworks that appropriately manage legal and commercial risk.
• Provide legal advice across South African and international jurisdictions.
• Support senior stakeholders during transaction negotiations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on their impact on transactions and commercial initiatives.
• Manage legal and contractual obligations following transaction completion.
• Coordinate and oversee external legal counsel where required.
• Engage confidently with senior executive and governance stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum 4-year academic qualification with Honours.
• LLB or equivalent legal qualification preferred.
• Admission as an Attorney.
• MBA or relevant Masters qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years senior management experience.
• At least 3 years dedicated M&A legal experience gained within a reputable local or international law firm.
• Demonstrable experience negotiating and drafting highly complex transaction documents.
• Strong exposure to M&A and equity capital markets transactions.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions cultures and geographies.
• Ability to engage influence and present confidently at executive level.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional legal drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Strong project management capability.
• Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex fast-moving transaction environments.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.

The successful candidate will be a commercially minded legal professional who can move comfortably between the technical detail of a transaction and the broader strategic objectives behind it.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1