Manager Legal Counsel at Alstom

Job Purpose

• Provide legal support and advice to Gibela's internal clients on business matters involving customers, partners, and subcontractors, and represent the organisation in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Experience

Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents, ensuring risks remain within acceptable parameters.
• Provide support in business litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution matters.
• Manage relationships with external legal firms.
• Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements from various bodies including the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
• Coordinate with the South African Reserve Bank regarding international payment regulations and ensure ongoing legal compliance.
• Conduct thorough contractual and legal assessments of tender documentation.
• Advise and assist the business on all legal and contractual issues, including claims management and dispute resolution.

Compliance

• Ensure employees comply with approved delegated authority levels.
• Monitor legislative compliance and address areas of non-compliance promptly.
• Deliver training to internal stakeholders on legislative updates, such as amendments to the Companies Act.
• Maintain adherence to Gibela’s Code of Ethics.
• Assist with the investigation and reporting of non-compliance issues.

Risk Management

• Identify potential legal risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Update and maintain the legal risk register regularly.

People Management

• Prioritise resource allocation, align team objectives, and set and communicate Key Performance Areas (KPAs).
• Foster a culture aligned with company values by inspiring commitment, encouraging collaboration, and supporting development opportunities.
• Promote a high-performance culture that aligns with the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Proactively manage direct reports to achieve functional goals, including addressing non-performance and conducting disciplinary processes when necessary.
• Ensure all team members possess the necessary skills and competencies through mentoring and coaching.
• Implement effective people management practices to enhance employee engagement, empowerment, skills development, talent attraction and retention, and succession planning.
• Uphold a workplace culture of integrity and ethics by embedding these values into all procedures, processes, and practices.
• Serve as a change agent for all initiatives related to functional transformation, culture, and diversity.
• Foster a learning-oriented environment within the team’s scope of influence.
• Develop and implement strategies for functional and leadership skills development in partnership with Human Capital Management.

Minimum Requirements

• LLB (NQF Level 7)
• LLM (NQF Level 8) - added advantage
• Legal Practice Council registration
• Corporate Council of SA registration (preferred)
• Admitted attorney or advocate (required)
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience within an international business environment or law firm.
• Proficiency in public tenders and international contracts.
• Previous exposure to international practices through academic studies or professional experience is required.
• Experience in private practice at an international law firm for at least 2 years is advantageous.

Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of legislation, case law, and practice guidelines.
• Exceptional communication abilities.
• Collaborative team orientation.
• Strong business insight.
• Expertise in negotiation.
• Forward-thinking and proactive mindset.
• Knowledge of procurement standards.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Timely responsiveness.
• Familiarity with manufacturing operations.
• Aptitude for managing conflicts.
• Sharp analytical capabilities.
• Insight into the rail sector.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to handle adversity.
• Awareness of global market regulations.
• Efficient time management.
• Commercially focused attitude.
• Commitment to confidentiality.
• Unwavering integrity.

Closing Date

• 30 July 2025