Legal Manager

• The Legal Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the Company's commercial contracts and legal matters, ensuring that the Company's operations are conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and supporting the Company's growth and success. The role will provide legal support across the Company's manufacturing, FMCG, cocoa procurement and export, edible oils, beverages, supply chain, procurement, distribution, marketing and international business activities. The Legal Manager will also ensure that client and commercial contracts are effectively managed, resulting in sound legal risk management, satisfied clients, and successful business relationships.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract Development: Draft, review, and advise on vendors agreements, NDAs partnership agreement, service agreements, marketing agreements, and other commercial contracts. .
• Contract Administration: Oversee the entire contract lifecycle, including the creation, execution, and maintenance of contracts. Serve as the primary point of contact for contract matters and address any questions, concerns, or requests related to their contracts.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure that contracts are executed in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and ensure all parties involved in contracts adhere to their respective obligations and responsibilities.
• Legal Advisory: Provide timely and commercially focused legal advice to Johnvents HoldCo and all its subsidiaries on legal, regulatory, contractual, commercial and operational matters affecting the Group's business. This will include advising Management and relevant business units on legal risks arising from manufacturing, cocoa procurement and export, edible oils, beverages, procurement, supply chain, distribution, marketing, employment, property, financing, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and international transactions. Prepare legal opinions, memoranda and advisory notes where required, identify po tential legal risks and recommend appropriate measures to protect the interests of the Company.
• Legal Risk Management: Identify legal and regulatory risks affecting the Company and recommend mitigation measures to protect the Company's interests.
• Contract Negotiation: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external parties to negotiate contract terms, partnership, and striving to maximize favorable terms for the company.
• Record Keeping: Maintain a comprehensive and organized contract database, including tracking deadlines, milestones, renewals as well as hard copy records where necessary
• Regulatory Compliance - Monitor and support compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry guidelines relating to the Company's operations, including corporate governance, data protection, AML/CFT, investment and commercial regulation, manufacturing and FMCG requirements, product registration and standards, food and beverage regulation, labelling and advertising requirements, export and trade requirements, environmental and health and safety obligations, and other sector-specific regulatory requirements.
• Manufacturing & FMCG Legal Support: Provide legal support to manufacturing and operational teams on matters affecting factories, production, quality, procurement, warehousing, distribution, product development, product claims, packaging, labelling, marketing and customer-facing activities.
• Property, Factory & Infrastructure Matters: Review and advise on land and property documentation, leases, factory and site arrangements, construction and development contracts, access and utility arrangements, property-related disputes and other legal matters relating to the Company's manufacturing and operational facilities.
• Intellectual Property: Support the protection and management of the Company's intellectual property, including trademarks, brands, product names, packaging, copyright, technology-related rights, licensing arrangements and infringement matters.
• Employment & Industrial Relations: Provide legal support on employment contracts, employee relations, disciplinary and termination matters, employment policies, outsourcing and manpower arrangements and other employment and industrial relations matters.
• Litigation Management & Solicitor Engagement: Review court processes, claims, demands and other legal proceedings and issue instructions to approved solicitors to protect the Company's interests. Monitor litigation status, key deadlines, legal exposure and external counsel performance and costs.
• Dispute Resolution: Take proactive measures to ensure resolution of contractual dispute in the best interest of the Company
• Legal Research and Advisory: Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and memos for Management on legal, regulatory, contractual and operational matters
• Data Privacy Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws and maintain confidentiality of client and corporate information.
• Policy Development: Draft, review, and update policies, procedures and standard templates to support business operations and regulatory compliance.
• Carry out any other duties/assignment as assigned by the Head of Legal & Company Secretary.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 12 years' post-qualification experience, with substantial experience gained in a reputable law firm, financial institution, manufacturing/FMCG company or other reputable corporate organization.
• LL.B (minimum Second Class Lower) and BL.
• An LL.M (required) or other relevant postgraduate/professional qualification will be considered.