The Head of Legal & Company Secretary will oversee the legal and regulatory affairs of the organization, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards, legal obligations, and best practices. This role combines two key functions: leading the legal department to manage all corporate legal matters, and acting as the Company Secretary responsible for ensuring that the board of directors and company executives are aware of and comply with statutory obligations. The individual will play a strategic role in shaping and managing the organization’s legal framework while ensuring smooth corporate governance processes.

Legal Affairs Management:

• Provide expert and strategic legal advice to senior management and the board on a wide range of legal matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate high-value contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Handle litigation, disputes, and regulatory investigations in coordination with external legal counsel.
• Oversee intellectual property matters, employment law issues, and other legal risks.
• Manage the company’s legal budget and external legal spend.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel.

Corporate Governance:

• Act as the Company Secretary, ensuring the organization complies with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Organize and attend board meetings, preparing agendas, minutes, and resolutions.
• Advise the board on governance issues, maintaining strong communication between directors and the executive team.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of company records, including the minutes of meetings, statutory books, and filings with regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate shareholder communication and manage the annual general meeting (AGM) processes.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of corporate governance developments and ensure best practices are followed.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate legal risks across the business.
• Develop and implement strategies to prevent future legal and regulatory issues.
• Ensure internal audits and compliance mechanisms are effective, and handle any issues related to corporate compliance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor corporate policies related to legal and governance matters.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and develop the legal department, providing mentorship and guidance to legal team members.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment of legal strategy with the company’s overall objectives.
• Foster a collaborative relationship between legal, compliance, and other business functions to ensure seamless operations.

Experience Required:

At least 7 years of post-qualification legal experience, with a focus on corporate law, governance, and regulatory compliance.

Extensive experience serving as a company secretary or in a similar governance role.

Demonstrated experience in managing complex legal matters, including litigation, mergers & acquisitions, and contract negotiation.

Proven leadership experience in managing legal teams and external legal resources.

Skills and competencies required:

Strong understanding of corporate governance principles and legal regulations.

Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

High attention to detail and the ability to handle complex legal issues.

Strategic thinker with the ability to foresee legal and regulatory risks.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and provide solutions-oriented legal advice.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

High integrity and ethical standards

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Excellent problem-solving abilities

Proactive and solution-oriented approach

Sound judgment and decision-making abilities