Head of Legal at Simba Group

Job Description

• As the Head of Legal, you will lead the legal department of the organization, overseeing all legal matters and providing strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management.
• Your primary objective will be to ensure that the company operates within the boundaries of the law and effectively managåes legal risks.
• You will be responsible for managing the legal team, handling legal disputes, negotiating contracts, and providing legal support to various departments within the organization.

Responsibilities
Legal Strategy and Compliance:

• Develop and implement the organization's legal strategy in alignment with its goals and objectives.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to senior management on legal risks and compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to promote legal and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Contract Management:

• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of various contracts, including vendor agreements, customer contracts, and partnerships.
• Ensure contracts protect the organization's interests and comply with legal requirements.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop contract templates and standard terms.
• Advise on contract interpretation and provide guidance on dispute resolution or contract termination.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and assess legal risks associated with the organization's operations, projects, and initiatives.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and controls to minimize legal exposure.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Compliance, Risk Management, and Human Resources, to implement effective risk management practices.
• Conduct legal audits or assessments to evaluate compliance with legal requirements and recommend improvements.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation:

• Oversee and manage legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Engage and manage external legal counsel when necessary.
• Assess and manage litigation risks and costs.
• Develop strategies for dispute resolution and negotiate settlements when appropriate.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management:

• Protect the organization's intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
• Oversee the registration, maintenance, and defense of intellectual property assets.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or licensing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.

Corporate Governance and Compliance:

• Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Board of Directors and executive management in governance-related activities, such as board meetings, shareholder communications, and regulatory filings.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs to promote legal awareness and compliance among employees.

Team Management:

• Lead and manage the legal team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members.
• Allocate resources effectively and manage the department's budget.

Qualifications
Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university.
• Call to the Nigerian Bar (BL), certifying the candidate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Master of Laws (LL.M) is an added advantage.
• Relevant certifications or diplomas in areas such as corporate governance, compliance, or specialized legal fields (e.g., arbitration, intellectual property) are preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 - 10 years of legal practice, with substantial experience in a leadership or senior advisory role.
• Proven track record in managing legal teams and advising on corporate legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in automotive, power solutions, or real estate legal frameworks is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian legal frameworks, and experience liaising with regulatory bodies and external legal counsels.