Legal Counsel at NMG Benefits

About the job

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel based in Johannesburg, this position will work within a small but highly effective global Group legal department, assisting to execute a broad range of matters across the Group.

Whilst the role will have exposure to NMG Group’s global activities, its primary focus will be towards NMG Benefits and its related business activities in neighbouring jurisdictions as well as NMG Consulting in connection with its business activities in the United Kingdom and North America. Key business units within NMG Benefits include: retirement fund administration and consulting, corporate healthcare consulting, actuarial services, personal financial advice, and asset management. Key business units within NMG Consulting include strategy consulting, insights, and data analytics.

The successful applicant will make a significant contribution to efficiency of the organisation, working closely with business unit managers to allow for the achievement of strategic and commercial objectives and growth targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scope – NMG Benefits and NMG Consulting

Legal

• Possessing broad / generalist legal expertise and able to problem solve with key stakeholders to define legal concerns, risks and appropriate solutions;
• Drafting and negotiating commercial transactions including those for the provision of services to major customers and partners;
• Preparing and negotiating contractual documentation for employee relationships, standard trading arrangements, contractors and other services including confidentiality agreements, licence agreements and non-compete/non-solicitation provisions;
• Advising on employment issues, law and policies, including the management and settlement of employee disputes and litigation;
• Advise, communicate, and ensure understanding of, and compliance with, applicable privacy and relevant data protection laws across multiple jurisdictions; and
• Performing certain Company Secretarial functions such as minuting Board meetings, preparation of resolutions for directors and shareholders, responsibility for preparation of AGM materials and minutes.

Risk and Compliance

• Acting as a valued business partner to key stakeholders; and
• Providing proactive advice and guidance on current and future regulatory and legislative requirements and guidelines that govern business activities.

Scope – NMG Group

• Drafting and negotiating documents relating to the Group’s capital raising and ongoing strategic investment activity including M&A, cross-border minority investments and restructuring shareholders arrangements in various jurisdictions including drafting share purchase agreements and shareholder agreements;
• Performing certain Company Secretarial functions such as minuting Board meetings, preparation of resolutions for directors and shareholders, responsibility for preparation of AGM materials and minutes; and
• Living the NMG Values of Collaborating, Curiosity, Go for it and Make it Count in all that your do.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Qualifications and Experience

• 6-8+ years qualified lawyer (South Africa, UK, and US (common law) qualifications preferred)
• Experience within a highly reputable, international law firm or in the legal function of a multinational organisation (candidates with significant experience in M&A preferred)
• Solid transactional training and experience with strong drafting and negotiating skills with an ability to manage complex deal structure
• Providing timely, accurate, independent, pragmatic, and commercial legal advice to internal stakeholders while effectively highlighting and managing legal and commercial risks
• Exceptional attention to detail whilst having a solid grasp of broader, material legal and commercial issues when deal making; effectively and efficiently communicate and escalate commercial and legal issues to relevant stakeholders
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively with excellent time management skills
• Effective at multi-tasking in an extremely fast-paced environment with short turnaround times
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders throughout the organisation
• Approachable, dynamic and enthusiastic approach
• Willingness to work occasionally outside of regular hours in light of work requirements and client demands

Core Competencies

• Driving Execution and Implementation
• Driving Efficiency
• Operational Judgment
• Innovation
• Leading Change
• Adaptability and Pragmatism
• Mental Resilience