Legal Manager

About the role

The Legal Manager will support SMEC’s South African operations from Johannesburg, providing specialist legal advice to minimise risk and ensure compliance across commercial activities.

Key responsibilities

• Review and ensure contract terms align with commercial and legal guidelines.
• Lead or assist in negotiations of client agreements, sub‑consultant contracts, and third‑party partnerships.
• Manage litigation matters, liaise with external counsel, and oversee tender appeal processes.
• Oversee debt‑collection procedures and resolve contractual disputes.
• Provide legal input on tender proposals, advise bid managers, and flag potential risks.
• Guide project managers on contractual obligations and deliver general legal advice.
• Draft legal notices, letters, and support ad‑hoc commercial and legal tasks.
• Maintain MIS updates and ensure compliance with internal policies.

Required profile

• Proven experience reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Background in managing litigation, arbitration, and debt‑collection matters.
• Ability to interpret procurement documents and advise on contractual risk.
• Strong understanding of South African commercial law and corporate governance.

Required skills