Senior Legal Counsel at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Job Description

•  The Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for providing practical, business-minded legal support to Ford South Africa, with a primary focus on labour and HR-related matters. The role serves as a trusted legal advisor to the business on day-to-day legal questions, turning complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance that supports operational effectiveness and compliance.
• This position is accountable for advising on disciplinary hearings, CCMA matters, Labour Court disputes, general labour law issues, and broader HR-related legal matters. The role also supports the interpretation and application of applicable legislation, company policies, and procedures, while helping to identify and mitigate legal risk. The Labour Attorney works independently on assigned matters and reports directly to the General Counsel.                                

Responsibilities
Labour and HR Legal Advisory

• Provide timely and practical legal advice on labour law and HR-related matters across Ford South Africa.
• Advise management and HR teams on disciplinary processes, grievances, performance management, misconduct, incapacity, and dismissal matters.
• Support and guide the business on CCMA matters, Labour Court disputes, and related labour litigation.
• Draft, review, and advise on labour-related correspondence, notices, warnings, settlement agreements, and legal documentation.
• Interpret and apply applicable labour legislation, collective agreements, policies, and procedures.
• Support the business in ensuring legally compliant and fair labour practices.

Litigation and Dispute Management

• Manage and oversee labour-related disputes and litigation matters, including CCMA and Labour Court processes.
• Liaise with external counsel where required and coordinate the preparation of case materials, instructions, and documentation.
• Assess legal risk, provide recommendations, and support resolution strategies that balance legal exposure and business needs.
• Maintain accurate records of matters, correspondence, outcomes, and follow-up actions.
• Support the management of other legal disputes as required, including commercial, civil, and criminal matters where relevant.

Legal Counsel and Business Partnering

• Serve as a core member of the OGC South Africa team and coordinate with regional and global OGC counterparts to align legal strategies and maintain consistency.
• Provide business-minded legal guidance to Ford South Africa legal entities, including Ford Credit, and partner with key functions such as Manufacturing, HR, Sales, Marketing, and other.
• Support the General Counsel on complex or novel issues by validating advice, coordinating inputs, and engaging external counsel when appropriate.
• Deliver legal advice in a way that is clear, practical, and responsive to operational needs.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

• Support Ford’s compliance program in South Africa, with particular focus on legal and ethical compliance in labour and HR-related matters.
• Monitor changes to applicable legislation and advise the business on new or amended laws and legal requirements.
• Provide advice on regulatory matters affecting Ford South Africa, including legal risks arising from business operations and employment practices.
• Assist with compliance-related investigations, policy governance, and remediation actions as needed.

 Contracting and Documentation

• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements, correspondence, and other documentation as required.
• Review letters, policies, and employee communications for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Support the business with legal input on contracts, supplier matters, and other operational documents where labour or HR implications arise.
• Ensure legal documentation is accurate, well-structured, and aligned with Ford requirements.

 Core Legal Operations and Administration

• Manage matter tracking, filing, and document control for assigned legal matters.
• Prepare concise reports, legal updates, and case summaries for stakeholders and leadership.
• Maintain organized legal records and support efficient legal operations.
• Liaise with Ford local representatives and external stakeholders on government-related or regulatory matters in the South African market as required.

Continuous Legal and Business Support

• Conduct research on new and amended legislation and provide practical guidance to the business.
• Build specialist expertise in selected legal areas relevant to the business, such as compliance, labour law, AML, distribution, marketing, sales, or litigation management.
• Support the adoption of modern tools, legal workflows, and efficient ways of working.
• Contribute to a culture of integrity, transparency, service orientation, and teamwork.

  General Counsel

• Direct reporting line; provide legal support, recommendations, and updates on key matters.

Human Resources

• Advise on disciplinary matters, employee relations, policy interpretation, labour disputes, and HR compliance.

Manufacturing Leadership

• Support labour-related legal issues, operational disputes, and site-level legal guidance.

Sales and Marketing Teams 

• Provide legal review and advice on commercial, regulatory, and labour-related implications where relevant.

Finance / Ford Credit / Other Business Functions

• Support entity-specific legal matters and compliance requirements.

Regional and Global OGC Teams

• Coordinate to align legal strategies, share best practices, and ensure consistency.

External Counsel

• Engage and manage external legal advisors where required.

Government and Regulatory Bodies

• Liaise on legal, labour, or compliance matters when necessary.

Employees and Management

• Provide advice and support in a professional, fair, and confidential manner.                        

Qualifications
  Education

• Minimum legal qualification such as B Iuris, LLB, BA LLB, B Com LLB, or equivalent.    

Experience    

• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate
• Completed articles and admission to practice as a legal professional.
• 7 years’ post-articles experience, with preference for candidates who have 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment is strongly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of labour law, NBF framework and other legal processes.
• Exposure to corporate legal advisory work, litigation management, and regulatory compliance is beneficial.