Head Of Legal - Centurion at WeBuyCars

Job summary:
As the Head of Legal in the Automotive Industry, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all legal affairs within the company. You will provide strategic legal advice, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and mitigate legal risks. Your expertise will play a crucial role in supporting the business objectives while safeguarding the company's reputation and assets.

Responsibilities:
Legal Strategy and Compliance:

• Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with the company's overall business goals.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices, ensuring the organization's compliance.
• Advise senior management and executive team on legal matters, providing guidance and insights to support decision-making and mitigate legal risks.
• Manage adherence to the legal policies and procedures by the company and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws regulations, and industry standards.
• Conduct research and advise the company on national and international emerging legislation, regulations and practice notes that may affect the business operational compliance.

Contract Management:

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including vendor agreements, customer contracts, and partnerships.
• Ensure contracts are in compliance with company policies and legal requirments.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws regulations, and industry standards.
• Oversee contract administration, renewals, and terminations.

Intellectual Property:

• Protect the company's intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Conduct IP searches, evaluations, and filings as needed.
• Handle IP infringement disputes and collaborate with external counsel when necessary.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and oversee all legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
• Work with external legal counsel to represent the company's interests effectively.
• Develop strategies to minimize legal exposure and financial risk.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with automotive industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and respond to inquiries or investigations.

 Corporate Governance:

• Provide legal support for corporate governance matters, including board meetings and shareholder communications.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of corporate documents.

 Risk Management:

• Identify potential legal risks and develop proactive measures to mitigate them.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure risk management practices are implemented effectively.
• Review ongoing litigious matters and advise Management accordingly.
• Provide legal services to the company in the legal areas of litigation, commercial, property and labour.

Legal Team Management:

• Lead and manage the legal team, providing guidance and support to team members.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bcom Law and LLB
• 15 years post articles experience
• At least 10 years of experience in a legal leadership role, preferably within the automotive industry or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive industry regulations, laws, and compliance requirments.
• Strong negotiation, contract drafting, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing litigation and dispute resolution.
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice and support to senior management.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.