Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

Gold Fields is looking for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join its Group Legal and Governance function in South Africa. Reporting to the Managing Counsel South Africa, the role supports the South Deep Gold Mine and the corporate office in Johannesburg, delivering a full range of legal services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide commercially focused legal advice on contracts, procurement, supply‑chain and regulatory risk.
• Identify legal risks early, advise stakeholders and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, land access agreements, mining rights and community agreements.
• Manage disputes, incidents, safety compliance matters and corporate governance issues.
• Support regulatory approvals, permits and engagements with regulators, working with the sustainable development function.
• Coordinate with external counsel on high‑value negotiations, projects or disputes.
• Build strong relationships across operations, finance, contracts, sustainable development, people and corporate affairs.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of South African legal developments and guide compliance.
• Lead investigations arising from hotlines, safety incidents or regulatory complaints.
• Mentor junior legal team members and contribute to policy updates.

Required profile

• LLB or equivalent with admission to practice law in South Africa.
• 8‑10 years of senior legal experience, preferably in a large, complex organization.
• Proven ability to handle commercial contracts, mining‑related legal matters and regulatory compliance.

Required skills

• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Legal risk identification and mitigation.
• Dispute and incident management.
• Regulatory compliance and liaison with authorities.
• Stakeholder relationship management.