Coporate Legal Manager (lagos) At Nicole Sinclair Consulting Nicole Sinclair Consulting
full-time
JOB PURPOSE
Our client is a packaging manufacturing company involved in the production and supply of packaging materials, with significant exposure to the importation of raw materials, regulatory requirements, government agencies, clearing and forwarding activities, and commercial transactions. We are looking to hire a Corporate Legal Manager who will provide comprehensive legal and compliance support to the business, ensuring that the company's commercial activities, contracts, regulatory obligations, imports, government engagements, and corporate affairs are properly managed and legally protected. The role will work closely with Management, Finance, Procurement, Operations, Supply Chain, and external advisers to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks while ensuring compliance with applicable Nigerian laws and industry requirements.
Corporate Legal Advisory & Governance
Provide day-to-day legal advice to Management and relevant departments on corporate, commercial, operational, and regulatory matters.
Advise the company on legal risks associated with business decisions, transactions, investments, and commercial arrangements.
Ensure the company's corporate records, statutory filings, licences, permits, and regulatory obligations are properly maintained.
Support the company in maintaining good corporate governance practices and compliance with applicable Nigerian laws and regulations.
Liaise with external solicitors, legal advisers, regulatory bodies, and other professional advisers as required.
Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory requirements that may affect the company's operations.
Contracts & Commercial Legal Management
Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on commercial agreements, supplier agreements, customer contracts, service agreements, NDAs, leases, purchase agreements, and other business contracts.
Review contractual terms to identify commercial, financial, operational, and legal risks.
Ensure contracts contain appropriate protections relating to liability, indemnity, warranties, termination, confidentiality, dispute resolution, payment, and other key obligations.
Maintain an effective contract management and renewal tracking system.
Support Management and relevant departments during contract negotiations with customers, suppliers, vendors, consultants, and other third parties.
Ensure proper execution and documentation of all company contracts and agreements.
Importation, Clearing & Forwarding Legal Support
Provide legal and compliance support for the company's importation of raw materials, machinery, equipment, and other goods.
Review agreements and arrangements with clearing agents, freight forwarders, logistics providers, shipping companies, and other supply chain partners.
Advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to customs clearance, import documentation, duties, tariffs, and related government requirements.
Liaise with relevant government agencies and external advisers on importation and customs-related matters.
Identify and mitigate legal risks arising from delays, disputes, penalties, documentation issues, or non-compliance within the import and clearing process.
Ensure that the company's clearing and forwarding arrangements are appropriately documented and contractually protected.
Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison
Monitor and coordinate the company's compliance with applicable regulatory and statutory requirements.
Maintain a regulatory compliance calendar covering licences, permits, renewals, statutory filings, inspections, and regulatory obligations.
Liaise with relevant government ministries, departments, agencies, and regulatory bodies on behalf of the company.
Coordinate responses to regulatory enquiries, inspections, notices, and compliance requirements.
Advise Management on potential regulatory exposure and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Maintain proper records of regulatory correspondence, approvals, licences, permits, and compliance documentation.
Legal Risk Management & Dispute Resolution
Identify, assess, and advise Management on potential legal and commercial risks affecting the business.
Develop practical measures to minimise contractual, regulatory, operational, and litigation risks.
Manage and coordinate legal disputes, claims, demands, and litigation involving the company in conjunction with external counsel.
Review legal notices, demand letters, claims, and other legal correspondence received by the company.
Ensure appropriate documentation and evidence are maintained for potential disputes and claims.
Support Management in negotiating settlements and resolving disputes where appropriate.
Corporate Compliance & Documentation
Ensure proper maintenance of corporate legal documentation, agreements, licences, certificates, permits, and statutory records.
Support corporate filings and compliance requirements with relevant government authorities.
Review internal policies, procedures, and business processes from a legal and compliance perspective.
Conduct periodic compliance reviews and highlight areas requiring management attention.
Maintain confidentiality and proper control of sensitive corporate and legal documents.
Internal Legal Support & Business Partnership
Work closely with Procurement, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, HR, Sales, and other departments to provide timely legal guidance.
Participate in management and commercial meetings where legal or contractual input is required.
Educate relevant employees on key legal, contractual, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Provide management reports on material legal matters, compliance risks, contracts, disputes, and regulatory issues.
Perform other legal and corporate responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned by Management.
QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE/ KNOWLEDGE
Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B) from a recognised institution.
Must be called to the Nigerian Bar (BL).
Minimum 7 - 10 years' post-call experience, with strong corporate/commercial legal experience.
Proven experience working in a manufacturing, FMCG, packaging, industrial, or related business environment is highly preferred.
Strong experience in corporate and commercial law, contract drafting and negotiation, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
Practical experience with importation, customs, clearing and forwarding, shipping, logistics, and raw material procurement will be a strong advantage.
Demonstrated experience dealing with government agencies and regulatory authorities in Nigeria.
Strong understanding of commercial contracts, supplier agreements, service agreements, NDAs, leases, procurement contracts, and other business agreements.
Experience managing legal disputes, claims, litigation, and external solicitors.
Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
Excellent negotiation, communication, documentation, and stakeholder-management skills.
Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance legal protection with business objectives.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, and professional judgement.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple legal matters, and provide practical solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.