Operations and Litigation Counsel at British American Tobacco

As Operations & Litigation Counsel in a dynamic and fast-paced team of other experienced team members across BAT’s Sub-Saharan Africa Area, you will provide initiative-taking legal advisory, support and strategic guidance to the general Operations and Supply Chain export Business for BAT in West & Central Africa (WCA). You will also manage the BAT litigation portfolio and External Counsel. You will be a part of the Operations Leadership Team led by the Operations Director (WCA).

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Provide legal and commercially driven counselling and support to internal and external core relationships stated above and strategic direction as the Business evolves.
• Manage the litigation portfolio and External Litigation Counsel, optimally.
• Draft, review contractual documentation, renewal, negotiation and develop where applicable, standard formats, for the benefit of the Business unit to ensure that the Company’s interests are adequately protected.
• Participate actively in problem-solving, decision-making as the representative of the Legal department in the Operations Leadership Team.
• Provide informed legal advisory on various employment-related matters (not limited to employee dispute resolution, employer’s obligations, disciplinary proceedings, collective bargaining, unionised employee relations) based on applicable laws, regulations, and global best practices.
• Review correspondence prepared by internal stakeholders in response to Regulators and government agencies (where necessary)
• Actively propose and support legal projects and initiatives as legal department’s value-add to the rest of the Business.
• Demonstrate excellence in own work by improving technical and managerial skills identified and agreed in performance and development reviews.
• Proactively support the BAT and Legal team culture across the Operations and Supply Chain Business.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• Qualified Lawyer (+ Bachelor’s degree) mandatory
• at least 12 (twelve) years relevant experience
• Evidently visible written and oral communication skills.
• Litigation experience is required.
• Experience in supply chain exports, manufacturing and/or full-service Commercial Law practice will be an advantage.
• People collaboration and development experience
• Experience in engaging Senior leadership and management.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office tools and other Artificial Intelligence tools that foster collaboration and team development.
• Solutions driven and commercial approach to Legal Advisory and support to internal stakeholders.
• Manage or support in developing, tracking, and managing legal team’s budget and budget spend.
• Regulatory and/or government agency engagements
• Worked across a wide range of issues demonstrating prioritisation, pragmatic solution-oriented advice, and sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to explain and interpret legal issues being mindful of the audience.
• High degree of self-motivation, initiative and out-of-the-box thinking