Legal Manager

Job Description:

Sovereign, a national supplier of quality chicken products to various markets with operations in five provinces, is seeking a thorough and committed individual for the position of Legal in the Group Services division. The Legal Manager is responsible for providing practical, commercially sound and risk-based legal advice across the group. This position reports to the Group Legal Counsel and holds the TASK Grade T16. The ideal candidate must be in possession of a LLB degree or equivalent South African legal and have 5-7 years’ post-qualification legal experience, preferably in-house or in a corporate/commercial practice. Admission as an attorney or advocate is advantageous and may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, negotiate and manage a wide range of commercial and operational agreements.
• Prepare legal briefs, matter summaries, risk reports and legal advice.
• Liaise with external attorneys, counsel, insurers, brokers, business units and witnesses to ensure matters are progressed efficiently.
• Provide practical legal advice across commercial, environmental, operational, employment, regulatory, property, procurement, insurance and dispute-related matters.
• Manage and maintain the legal matter register, contract management system and legal document repository.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise on their impact on the business.
• Support ESG, sustainability, environmental reporting and governance initiatives from a legal risk and compliance perspective.

Qualifications:

• Comprehensive knowledge of South African commercial and corporate law.
• Strong commercial and strategic legal acumen.
• Sound knowledge of corporate governance and compliance principles.
• High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Highly conscientious and meticulous, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage complex legal matters accurately and efficiently.
• Conscientious, meticulous and detail orientated.

Closing Date: 30 October 2026

As Sovereign is an equal opportunity employer, preference will be given to applicants of designated groups, as defined by the Employment Equity Act.