Job Description

LOCATION: Cape TownR HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE PLUS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUSOur client is a licenced discretionary investment manager specialising in the management of investments for both institutional and retail investors. They have an enviable track record and have an awesome track record of success!. The company is a leading asset manager. For generations, they have been at the forefront of helping people and institutions achieve their investment goals. It is this heritage of investing in local and global markets that makes us truly understand the importance of investing for a future that matters. That's why they relentlessly pursue investment excellence for their clients, while also being responsible stewards of the assets they manage. To deliver on their vision and mission, they invest in professionals with exceptional talent, passion and ethics and help them unlock their potential in an environment where teams can galvanise and prosper over time.They now seek a head of legal to join their team. First prize is someone from an asset manager. Then legal firms on the regulatory side - and alternative investment houses - PE VC etc. Then the broader FS industry. Manage a team of 2-3 people - while we would like management skills this is not essential.This role is a wonderful opportunity to work with the CEO, COO, and CFO. It's an important and responsible role.
This role is for a suitable employment equity candidate.It is a small team - three other people in the team. You will be tasked to hire one additional resource when you join. The client as mentioned is very keen on asset management industry experience. You must be an enabler to the business, have great stake holder management and clear communication. You are confident leading smart people and driving change. You will not be responsible for risk and compliance. You will ideally- xe2x81xa0need to understand complexity of internal policyholder structures/mandates/ products + unit trust + 3rd party processes. The main legal work will be on derivatives, ISDAS/ GMRAS etc.The client looks at, two big contracts a year. You are a high energy driver who gets on and does the work well. You will not be micromanaged. The idea is you have a plan and execute it well.JOB DESCRIPTION WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

• You will be required to lead a small team of legal professionals responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and support to the investment organisation;
• You will be required to play a pivotal role in delivering strategic legal input into overseeing the legal framework / environment across the company (mandates, IMA, contracting etc.) projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigating legal risks;
• You will be required to collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders and provide legal sign-off on investment documentation;
• You will be required, in addition to the minimum requirements set out below, to be decisive, innovative, enthusiastic, with a strong client-centric mindset, professional and act with the utmost integrity, and performs well under pressure;
• You will be required to operate within the company's legal framework;
• Legal advisory and risk management:

• You will be required to lead a team of legal professionals in providing legal advice and support to the company and it's CSI initiatives, including legal risk management and strategic input into projects;
• You will be required to stay informed of legal trends and regulatory changes, providing guidance to the business on how to influence or implement pending legislation;
• Contract drafting and review:

• You will be required to draft and vet legal agreements, with a focus on investment management agreements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with business objectives;
• You will be required to ensure efficient management of contracts throughout their lifecycle, including negotiation, execution, and ongoing monitoring;
• You will be responsible for owning and maintaining a legal repository for the business that is accessible to various stakeholders;
• Compliance and governance:

• You will be required to interact with the compliance and risk functions to establish and embed a compliance culture within the business;
• You will be required to provide advice and consulting on governance issues, ensuring adherence to corporate governance principles and best practices;
• You will be required to maintain and update the signing powers for the business;
• Legal risk identification and mitigation:

• You will be required to identify and report on legal risks, providing legal solutions to mitigate such risks and participating in actions related to legal risk management;
• You will be required to conduct or participate in litigation proceedings as required, representing the interests of the company;
• Industry engagement and networking:

• You will be required to network with industry bodies and stakeholders, representing the company's interests and staying abreast of industry developments;
• Investment activities and documentation:

• You will be required to provide legal advice and opinions regarding investment activities within the company, ensuring legal sign-off on investment documentation, examples include ISDA's, GMRA's, note programs, etc.;
• You will be required to offer general and commercial legal advice to support the company's operations and strategic objectives;
• Managing the team:

• You will be required to ensure the team is engaged and high performing.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• You have legal expertise: a deep understanding of legal principles, regulations and frameworks relevant to the investment management industry in South Africa, including financial services legislation and regulatory requirements;
• You have strategic thinking skills: the ability to think strategically and provide proactive legal guidance that aligns with the company's strategic objectives and business goals;
• You have leadership and team management skills: strong leadership skills to effectively lead and manage a team of legal professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment - this will be a key requirement;
• You have excellent communication (verbal and written) skills in English to effectively convey complex legal concepts and advice to stakeholders at all levels of the company;
• You have analytical skills: strong analytical skills to assess legal risks, identify trends and develop solutions to mitigate risks and achieve business objectives;
• You have problem-solving skills: the capability to identify legal issues, analyse root causes and develop innovative solutions to address challenges and achieve desired outcomes;
• You have operational skills: the ability to establish processes to support the legal function that are efficient, innovative and future fit;
• You have relationship management skills: the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, regulators, legal counsel, and industry peers;
• You are ethical and have integrity: a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and integrity in all legal and business activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
• You are adaptable and resilient: the capacity to adapt to changing legal and business environments, remaining resilient in the face of challenges and uncertainty;
• You are able to collaborate and influence: the skill to collaborate effectively across departments and influence decision-making processes to ensure legal considerations are integrated into business strategies and initiatives;
• You have a keen eye for detail: meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in legal documentation, contract drafting, and compliance related activities;
• You have commercial acumen: a strong understanding of the commercial implications of legal decisions and the ability to balance legal risks with business objectives to drive sustainable growth and success.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• You have a bachelor's degree in law; Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa -
• You have a minimum of 8 - 10 years current, relevant experience practising law, with significant experience in the financial services and preferably in the investment management industry;
• You have a thorough understanding of South African financial services laws and regulations, with specific knowledge of collective investment schemes regulation;
• You have strong negotiation and contract drafting skills, with the ability to manage complex legal transactions.

You are smart capable and technically astute. You are replacing someone who has been in the team for a while. This is a very happy team with a standard of work and well respected in the broader business. Add value from day one and be very well rewarded for this - with regards to visibility; decision making and remuneration.

Claire Bourquin Recruitment Consultants