Senior Legal Advisor (PE & Funds)

About the role

The Senior Legal Advisor will provide strategic, commercial and risk‑based legal guidance across Sanlam Investment’s private equity, fund and M&A activities. The role supports business decisions, ensures regulatory compliance and drives strong governance.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, assess and mitigate legal risks, reporting material risks to the Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Risk Officer.
• Provide end‑to‑end legal support for the establishment, structuring, operation and termination of investment funds, including documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Structure, negotiate and execute fund‑related, private equity and M&A transactions, ensuring commercial appropriateness and legal robustness.
• Coordinate legal workstreams during transaction closings, manage conditions precedent and hand over to operational teams.
• Engage with governance forums and approval committees to secure timely legal and regulatory approvals.

Required profile

• Legal degree with relevant postgraduate qualification and admission as an attorney of the High Court.
• At least ten years of relevant experience, including four years in senior management within private equity or investment funds.
• Extensive experience in investment and financial services, with knowledge of on‑shore and off‑shore regulatory environments.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑jurisdictional, multi‑specialism teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Required skills

• Legal risk management
• Legal research
• Legal compliance and procedures
• Advanced presentation and written communication
• Interpretation and application of laws and regulations