Legal Manager

Division:                                   Commercial & Legal

Location:                                 Johannesburg Randburg 

REPORTS TO

Senior Manager or any other person appointed to supervise him/her from time to time.

PRIMARY POSITION PURPOSE

The Legal Manager will provide support to SMEC’s South African business, and will be based in Johannesburg.  The role is to identify and mitigate risk through providing specialist legal advice, including the drafting, reviewing, negotiating and execution of various commercial agreements, advice relating to general contractual obligations, vetting of and advising the business on procurement documents and managing litigation against the company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review terms and conditions related to specific contracts and ensure that any obligations placed on SJ group companies are in accordance with our commercial and legal operating guidelines.

• Provide assistance with or lead contract negotiations where required.  These contracts shall include, amongst others, agreements with clients, appointments of sub-consultants or contractors; and agreements with other third parties, such as potential business partners.

• Manage litigation matters.  This shall include, amongst others: Consultations and communications with our external legal counsel, Involvement in tender appeal processes.

• Managing debt collection processes. And Involvement in the resolution of contractual disputes.

• Review proposals (and requests for tender) as part of business tendering activities and:   provide legal and related commercial advice in respect of the proposed project-based activities and contractual provisions provided in the request for tender; effectively interface with bid managers and other (e.g. tax, insurance) reviewers and/or advisors; ensure that feedback is given in due course to the project team; and ensure that potential risks to the company is identified and mitigated against in the proposal

• Provide guidance to project managers relating to contractual obligations under current contracts.

• Provide general legal advice

• Assist with any ad hoc commercial and legal responsibilities, including the drafting of legal notices, letters, and providing legal and commercial advice aligned to SMEC standard practice.

• MIS update and compliance.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDIDCATORS

• Successfully conclude contracts with terms that are commercially and legally favourable to SJ, while ensuring risk mitigation and compliance.

• Effectively manage and achieve successful resolution of litigation, arbitration, and other dispute matters involving SJ.

• Drive recovery of bad debts through appropriate and effective legal mechanisms.

• Ensure implementation, adherence, and monitoring of the company’s policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Lead and support continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk governance.

• Maintain a high level of legal and regulatory compliance, with performance measured through internal and external audits.

• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail, adherence to timelines, and the ability to perform under pressure while following established processes.

• Proactively use independent judgment and initiative to address legal and business requirements.

• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including drafting, negotiations, and stakeholder interactions.

• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment, including willingness to travel and work beyond official working hours when business exigencies require.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent or better legal qualification. Attorney Certification.

• Maximum 7-9 years post qualification experience.

• A valid driver’s licence.

• Experience in handling high stake construction contracts based on FIDIC and IFI standards

• Good exposure in drafting and negotiating engineering design consultancy and construction contracts.

• Experience of working under FIDIC and IFI funded projects for infrastructure, design, architecture, project management and engineering and consultancy contracts.

• Should have handled commercial Litigations and Arbitrations.

• Manage and oversee the company's litigation, including coordinating with external legal counsels and internal stakeholders

• Experience in PowerPoint and MS Excel skills shall be added advantage

We are proud of the brilliant minds at SJ, we are committed to ensuring that our people have the best opportunities and resources to learn, grow and succeed. Our hiring decisions are guided by skills, qualifications and experience, ensuring fair and equitable access to opportunities for all. We are intentional about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, not as a requirement, but as a fundamental part of who we are. We strive to create a workplace where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced, fresh ideas are encouraged, and everyone has the support they need to thrive. At SJ every individual has a voice, and through our commitment to engineering positive change, every contribution makes a difference.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!