Legal Secretary à France

We are looking for a skilled legal professional to provide expert advice and support across our procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance departments. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of commercial law, strong negotiation abilities, and expertise in managing complex legal challenges. As a Commercial Legal Advisor, you will contribute strategically to risk mitigation, improving organizational efficiency, and ensuring that legal strategies align with business objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Support:

1. Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to the procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance departments.
2. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including procurement agreements, lease agreements, service contracts, and maintenance agreements.
3. Ensure contracts reflect current business objectives while minimizing exposure to disputes and managing contract life cycles.
4. Ensure all contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies.
5. Manage and assist with property acquisitions and disposals, including drafting agreements and legal opinions.
6. Implement systems for monitoring contract life cycles, proactively managing renewal periods, and mitigating contractual gaps.
7. Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance activities.
8. Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the company's interests.
9. Create risk assessment protocols and lead initiatives to continuously improve contractual processes.
10. Oversee dispute resolution efforts, including negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations, minimizing reliance on external legal counsel.

Compliance:

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including commercial, contract, and property law. Monitor changes in legislation and advise on their impact on the company's operations.
2. Lead the development, implementation, and enforcement of legal policies, procedures, and guidelines across the organisation.
3. Ensure the business remains compliant with applicable legal standards and regulatory changes.
4. Manage and resolve disputes related to procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance. Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and, if necessary, litigation.
5. Minimize reliance on external legal counsel, with a focus on internal legal management of disputes.

Training and Development:

1. Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on legal issues and best practices.
2. Stay updated on legal developments and share knowledge with the team.
3. Mentor and guide junior legal staff, promoting continuous learning and development.
4. Deliver regular legal updates and training to other departments, ensuring alignment on legal matters across business units.

Commercial Legal Strategy:

1. Collaborate with business units to proactively identify legal challenges and develop strategies that align with broader commercial objectives.
2. Provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership and ensure legal strategies are aligned with evolving business priorities.
3. Implement technology-driven solutions for contract management and automation to enhance efficiency.

Stakeholder Management:

1. Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel to ensure smooth legal operations and effective communication.
2. Regularly update senior management on potential legal risks, ongoing disputes, and evolving regulations impacting the company.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
2. Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
3. Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in commercial law, with a focus on procurement, leasing, facilities management, and maintenance.

SKILLS:

1. Strong negotiation and drafting skills.
2. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Experience implementing legal risk management strategies and contract automation systems.