Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager

Lead legal strategy and corporate governance while navigating South Africa''s complex regulatory landscape in liaison with Group Company Secretary. Guardian of our corporate interests, ensuring compliance excellence while enabling business growth in the liquor sector.Legal Excellence & Risk ManagementArchitect legal frameworks for traditional beer operations and regulatory compliance.Lead commercial negotiations for joint ventures, distribution agreements, and strategic partnerships.Manage litigation strategy and coordinate with external legal counsel.Ensure Intellectual Property protection including trademarks, brand assets, and trade secrets. Navigate regulatory complexity across liquor licensing, food safety, and industry-specific legislation.Conduct legal due diligence.Draft and review contracts ensuring optimal risk allocation and commercial terms.Corporate Governance & ComplianceChampion governance excellence through secretariat functions and policy development.Ensure regulatory compliance with Companies Act, BBBEE, and sector-specific requirements.Coordinate stakeholder engagement with SARS, Department of Trade and Industry, and provincial liquor boards.Manage corporate secretarial duties including statutory filings and shareholder relations.Lead compliance programs covering anti-corruption, ethics, and regulatory obligations.Oversee data protection compliance with POPIA and information governance.Facilitate related meetings and ensure effective governance structures.Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder ManagementBuild government relations with key regulatory bodies and industry associations.Develop and execute strategic stakeholder engagement frameworks encompassing government relations, investor communications, community partnerships, NGO collaboration, supplier relations, and media management.Manage digital communication channels, social media strategy, online reputation monitoring, and digital crisis response to maintain strong corporate presence across all digital platforms.Lead internal communication strategies to align staff with corporate vision, manage change communications, and ensure consistent messaging across all organizational levels.Lead external communication strategy.Manage crisis communication and reputational risk management.Coordinate public policy engagement on industry transformation and regulatory reform.Lead CSR/SDG initiatives and community investment programs.Manage industry partnerships with traditional beer associations and cultural organizations.Drive transformation agenda including BBBEE compliance and skills development.Implement comprehensive monitoring systems including media analysis, stakeholder sentiment tracking, ESG reporting, and corporate affairs metrics to measure impact and inform strategic decision-making.Strategic Business SupportProvide commercial counsel on business strategy and market expansion.Manage insurance programs and enterprise risk management.Coordinate tax planning and transfer pricing strategies.Oversee employment law matters and labour relations.Lead dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, and litigation management Qualifications and competenciesMatricLLB Degree.Legal Practice Certificate (Admitted Attorney or Advocate)LLM or MBA with focus on Corporate Law or Business an added advantage.Company Secretary Certification (CGISA)Competition Law SpecializationPublic Affairs or Government Relations Experience5+ years post-admission experience with 3+ years in corporate/commercial law.FMCG or Beverage Industry Experience (liquor sector preferred)Deep knowledge of corporate law, commercial contracts, and transaction structuringUnderstanding of liquor licensing, food safety, and traditional beer regulationsBoard secretariat experience and corporate governance frameworksProven track record in government relations and regulatory engagementStrategic risk assessment and mitigation planningCommercial awareness and ability to balance legal and business objectives.Exceptional written and verbal communication in English and local languagesSalary - Market related