Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracting

About the role

The firm is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Commercial Legal team in Johannesburg. Reporting to international legal leadership, the role will lead the negotiation and advice on a wide range of commercial contracts across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including Master Services Agreements, supplier contracts, technology agreements, SaaS agreements, NDAs and subcontractor agreements.
• Provide commercially focused legal advice to business stakeholders while balancing legal and commercial risk.
• Identify legal and contractual risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks and negotiation guidance to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Support the continuous improvement of contracting processes and legal operations.
• Work closely with stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Procurement, Risk, Compliance and Technology.
• Utilise legal technology and AI‑enabled tools to improve efficiency in contract review and drafting.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to commercial contracting.

Required profile

• Admitted attorney with approximately 7‑10 years post‑qualification experience.
• Significant experience in commercial contracting within a multinational, consulting or other complex corporate environment.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills across a range of commercial agreements, particularly Master Services Agreements.
• Ability to provide practical, commercially sound legal advice.
• Experience managing multiple matters simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience using legal technology or AI‑enabled legal tools is advantageous.

Required skills