Head of Legal Services

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a variety of contracts and agreements, including supply agreements, sales contracts, joint ventures, NDAs, service level agreements, and procurement contracts to protect the company's interests.
• Ensure the company complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and listing requirements of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). Support the Company Secretary in organizing board and committee meetings, preparing minutes, and maintaining statutory records.
• Provide timely and practical legal advice to management and all departments on a wide range of issues, including commercial transactions, employment law, intellectual property, regulatory inquiries, and operational risks.
• Manage and oversee all litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution processes involving the company. Instruct and manage external counsel effectively to achieve favourable outcomes.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory bodies on legal matters. Monitor changes in legislation and regulations affecting the manufacturing sector and advise the company on necessary actions.
• Develop, implement, and review corporate policies from a legal and compliance perspective, including the company’s code of conduct and anti-bribery policies.
• Identify legal risks associated with business operations and strategies and develop mitigation plans. Provide training to staff on relevant legal and compliance topics.
• Lead and manage the legal team, ensuring efficient delivery of legal services and professional development of team members.

Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
• Must be a qualified and licensed attorney/solicitor in the jurisdiction where the company operates.
• Membership in a recognized Bar Association or Law Society.
• At least 4 years of progressive legal practice, with significant experience in corporate law, contracts, compliance, and regulatory affairs.
• Proven track record in managing litigation, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
• Deep knowledge of corporate law, compliance frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to oversee in-house counsel and external advisors.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and advisory skills for contracts and strategic deals.
• Ability to advise the board and executive team on risk management and legal strategy.
• Familiarity with international law and cross-border transactions (for multinational companies).
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal risk and business opportunity.
• Resilient, decisive, and adaptable in complex legal environments.