Associate Commercial at The People Practice

Our client, one of Nigeria’s major conglomerates, is looking to hire an Associate Commercial will play a key role in enabling the Group’s commercial transactions and supporting business growth. The role involves providing practical and solutions-oriented advice on contracts, structuring deals, negotiating terms, and ensuring alignment with both legal requirements and the Group’s strategic objectives. The Associate will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to advance the Group’s commercial interests while effectively managing risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and legal support across the Group to drive transactions, business initiatives, and partnerships while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support deal structuring, contract negotiation, and transaction execution to enable timely and commercially sound decision-making.
• Draft, review, and advise on agreements, contracts, and other transaction documents, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and risk appetite.
• Work with business units to develop and implement frameworks, policies, and processes that support efficient commercial operations.
• Monitor and assess changes in laws, regulations, and market practices that may impact commercial activities, providing recommendations to safeguard and advance the Group’s interests.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and other advisors to ensure value-adding and commercially focused support.
• Provide actionable insights and opinions on commercial matters, including structuring options, dispute resolution strategies, and regulatory considerations.
• Actively participate in project teams and cross-functional initiatives, contributing commercial and legal expertise to achieve successful outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new initiatives, investments, and projects.
• Perform any other tasks as may be delegated by the General Counsel

Must have skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with commercial awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, and deliver within deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills

Qualifications

• First degree in Law (LL.B).
• Admission to the Nigerian Bar with valid registration at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Minimum of six (6) years’ post-call experience in commercial/transactional law, investment advisory
• In-house counsel experience a plus with strong exposure to deal-making and commercial structuring
• Solid understanding of commercial transactions, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in deal structuring, contract drafting, and negotiation.