Senior Legal Counsel – Sub‑Saharan Africa (Durban)

About the role

Beiersdorf is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead legal and compliance activities across its Sub‑Saharan Africa operations, based in Durban. You will partner with senior leaders to shape business strategy while ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal and compliance advice across multiple jurisdictions and support high‑value contract negotiations.
• Implement global policies, governance frameworks and corporate strategies at regional level.
• Advise senior stakeholders on regulatory, reputational and legal risks.
• Mentor any junior legal counsel and manage external counsel spend.
• Lead regulator engagement, internal investigations and crisis‑management support.
• Maintain corporate secretariat functions: AGMs, board packs, minutes, statutory filings and compliance with local corporate governance codes.
• Drive compliance culture, deliver training, and oversee reporting of compliance concerns.

Required profile

• Law degree and qualified attorney status in the relevant jurisdiction.
• 8‑12 years of legal counsel experience, including at least 5 years as an in‑house counsel for a multinational corporation.
• Experience in FMCG or similar fast‑moving consumer sectors across multiple countries.
• Broad knowledge of corporate and commercial law, compliance frameworks and risk management.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment and influence senior leadership.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape legal strategy for a leading global skin‑care brand.
• Collaborative, purpose‑driven work environment.
• Professional development and mentorship.