Senior Legal Counsel - Operations & Dispute Resolution at Coca-Cola

You will be responsible for managing the Company’s dispute resolution portfolio across all jurisdictions. In conjunction with external counsel, you will provide legal evaluation of impending dispute resolution matters and proposed strategies for conducting the Company’s case or defence. In addition, you will ensure attendance at court sittings, furnish the Company with regular and detailed updates on the progress of cases; and manage the Company’s relation with external counsel across all jurisdictions.

IS THIS YOU?

• 10+ years of related professional work experience
• A bachelor’s degree in law; and admission to the Nigerian Bar (an LL.M degree will be an added advantage)
• Strong understanding of supply chain laws and regulations
• First-rate experience negotiating, drafting, reviewing and interpreting commercial agreements
• Commercial awareness & strategic thinking
• Balance managing litigation and dispute resolution, and proactive legal partnering to support strategic business decisions.
• Sound business judgment and the ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the Company’s dispute resolution portfolio and develop tailored risk management strategies.
• Prepare, review, amend dispute resolution processes involving the Company, and propose strategies for conducting the Company’s case or defence.
• Review dispute resolution processes prior to filing in court and other relevant registries.
• Select and prepare witnesses from relevant Functions as may be required to effectively conduct the Company’s case or defence.
• Review, discuss and align dispute resolution strategy with external counsel.
• Attend dispute resolution proceedings and represent the Company where necessary.
• Support the optimization of Legal Function processes to drive operational efficiency and safeguard the Company from legal exposure.
• Provide periodic reports to the Group Legal Department in relation to the dispute resolution portfolio especially on contingency matters.
• Act as the dedicated Legal business partner to the Risk & Resilience and Supply Chain.
• Function, comprising Production, Utilities, Engineering, and Logistics.
• Support the Supply Chain and Risk Resilience Functions with initiatives & trainings to strengthen capability on negotiation/contracts management.
• Review, negotiate and finalize complex contracts relating to the business of the Supply Chain and Risk & Resilience Functions.
• Review and matters pertaining to staff disciplinary proceedings.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in the practice and procedures of competent courts of records.
• Monitor legislative/regulatory trends and deploy appropriate trainings for the Supply Chain and Risk & Resilience Functions.
• Develop trust, confidence and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.