Director: Legal and Compliance Services

Full description

Business Area Legal and Compliance Services Department OCOO: Legal and Compliance Services Number of Positions 1 Workplace Type On-site Location - Town / City Pretoria Minimum Education Level NQF8 - Hons Degree or equivalent Application Closing Date 30-Oct-2026 Job Advert Summary The Legal and Compliance Services Unit renders legal and compliance services to all units of the HSRC and ensures that legal matters are managed effectively and efficiently within the organisation by vetting and reviewing contracts; coordinating referrals to a panel of attorneys; resolving labour relations matters, and dealing with IP and copyright matters. The HSRC is looking to appoint a dynamic individual within the Legal and Compliance Services unit as Director: Legal and Compliance Services. The role of the successful incumbent will be to monitor legal compliance across the organisation and to lead the provision of required legal advice and strategic inputs to the CEO, Executives, Management, and other staff, as may be required during the course of business. The successful incumbent will be based in the HSRC’s Pretoria office, but may be required to travel to the other HSRC offices as and when the need arises. This is a permanent appointment. Minimum Requirements Key requirements: - A postgraduate degree in law and proof as an admitted attorney. - A minimum certification as Compliance Officer with the Compliance Institute of South Africa. - A Compliance Practitioner certification will be a strong advantage. - At least ten years’ experience in legal practice and/ or legal advisory services coupled with compliance advisor services. - Demonstrated experience in leading and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams, including performance management, staff development, conflict resolution and building a collaborative working environment. - Substantial practical experience in labour law and industrial relations, including advising on disciplinary and grievance processes, employment disputes, collective bargaining and engagement with recognised trade unions. - Experience in managing labour disputes and coordinating matters before the CCMA, bargaining councils and Labour Court. - A specialist qualification in labour law would be an added advantage. Skills, Knowledge, and Attitude: - Experience in professional legal practice and advisory services of not less than 10 years. - Strong knowledge of corporate and labour law, industrial relations, litigation, public-sector governance and regulatory compliance, including PFMA, POPIA, BBBEE and intellectual property protection. - Demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse, multidisciplinary teams, manage performance and resolve conflict in a changing organisational environment. - Ability to provide sound, practical legal and compliance advice to the CEO, Executive Management and Board, exercising independent judgement, integrity and discretion. - Excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, including engagement with trade unions and collaboration with People & Culture and other professionals. - Advanced legal drafting, contract review and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex matters clearly and work accurately under tight deadlines. - Ability to manage litigation and labour disputes, oversee external legal counsel and coordinate case reviews to ensure effective service delivery and value for money. - Ability to develop and implement compliance controls, monitor regulatory risks and fulfil statutory reporting requirements. - Commitment to accountability, confidentiality, inclusive leadership and conduct aligned with the HSRC’s values. Duties & Responsibilities Key responsibilities: - Providing strategic direction and leading the development of legal services management to ensure that it is managed with a long-term perspective that is linked to the HSRC’s strategy. - Organising and establishing day-to-day management of the HSRC’s legal staff and processes in line with agreed objectives, policies and procedures and strategic plans. - Lead and develop a diverse legal and compliance team, promoting accountability, collaboration and conduct aligned with the HSRC’s values. - Review and approve legal documentation as prepared by the HSRC’s lawyers, where applicable. - Provide guidance on the proper application and interpretation of laws and regulations as applicable to the HSRC’s business and ensure adequacy of controls to mitigate legal and other risks or concerns that may arise. - Establish and maintain effective legal processes to ensure the timely delivery of all required business documentation and foster the development of appropriate forms of standardised documentation. - Coordinate the engagement of external legal counsel to ensure value for money in this area. - Lead the provision of legal advice to management and staff in all areas of the HSRC’s activities and in offering solutions to legal problems, constraints, risks, options, consequences and approaches. - Provide strategic labour law and industrial relations advice to the CEO, Executive Management and People & Culture, supporting fair, consistent and legally sound employment practices. - Represent the HSRC’s Legal and Compliance Services Unit internally and externally in negotiation, disputes, consultations and other proceedings that require legal representation. - Carry out such other tasks as may be assigned by Executive Management.