Senior Legal Advisor

Our client is a leading and established financial services organization with a significant presence in the insurance sector. They are dedicated to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service, fostering a culture of integrity and growth. With a commitment to managing legal risk effectively, they are seeking a seasoned legal professional to join their dynamic Group Legal team and contribute to their continued success. Job Description This is a pivotal opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Legal Advisor to play a crucial role in safeguarding and advancing our client's business interests. You will be instrumental in proactively managing legal risks across various facets of the organization, from contractual obligations and regulatory compliance to intellectual property and strategic initiatives. This role offers a unique chance to influence legal strategy, build strong stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the professional development of a legal team, all within a supportive and forward-thinking environment. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for navigating complex legal landscapes in the financial services industry, this role offers significant scope for impact and career advancement. Responsibilities Support the Head of Legal in the strategic management and operational efficiency of the Group Legal function. Proactively monitor and ensure legal (contractual and regulatory) compliance across the business. Prepare and present comprehensive reports on legal matters to senior leadership. Cultivate and maintain robust, long-term, and trusted relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Effectively deliver on key stakeholder requirements by providing timely and practical legal guidance. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, ensuring favorable terms and mitigating risk. Provide expert legal advice and interpret complex legislation relevant to the financial services sector. Offer specialized intellectual property support, collaborating with relevant legal team members. Lead and mentor legal advisors and administrators, fostering a high-performing team environment. Champion customer service excellence and ensure adherence to Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles. Develop and manage strong relationships with assigned Business Units, deeply understanding their operations and serving as their primary legal liaison. Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the contract management system. Assist in shaping and executing the legal strategy for the team. Deliver impactful legal technical training to stakeholders across the organization. Collaborate with the compliance team to address and resolve relevant legal queries. Requirements Must-Haves Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with a strong focus on the insurance sector. At least 7 years of experience specifically within the insurance industry. A minimum of 2 years of experience in people and team management. Proven experience in drafting and vetting commercial contracts. Demonstrated ability in providing legal advice and interpreting legislation. Experience with Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and conducting due diligence is essential. Nice-to-Haves Prior experience in a Senior Legal role, ideally within insurance or broader financial services. Exposure to African markets and clients. Experience with funding and debt structures. Knowledge of Cell Captives. Seniority Level Mid-Senior level Employment Type Full-time Job Function Legal and Strategy/Planning Industries Insurance, Financial Services, and Legal Services Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa #J-18808-Ljbffr