Junior Legal and Risk Counsel (Bidvest Freight)

Job Purpose

Bidvest Freight is a leading logistics and freight management group of companies, which in turn forms a division of The Bidvest Group. We operate in various markets, providing services in freight forwarding, warehousing, port services and terminal operations. Our success is built on innovation, compliance and responsible business practices. As we grow, we need a dynamic legal advisor to join our head office to assist the Head of Legal and Risk with contract management, insurance, claims, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• LLB Degree (essential)
• Completed articles or equivalent experience in a corporate, commercial legal, risk or compliance environment
• Drafting and contract interpretation skills
• Understanding of international legal frameworks in the logistics industry
• Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in high-volume environment

Advantageous

• Exposure to commercial law or contract drafting
• Logistics / supply chain / maritime industry exposure

Key Responsibilities

Contract and Document Support

Assist the Head of Legal and Risk by reviewing, negotiating, amending and where required, drafting commercial, operational and corporate documentation, including:

• Service Level Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, joint venture, acquisition and sale agreements
• Lease, finance and security agreements, including loan agreements, guarantees, suretyships, pledges and cessions
• Confidentiality, intellectual property and data protection documentation, including NDAs, trademark-related matters and related agreements
• Internal policies, procedures, trading terms and conditions and other compliance documentation
• Reviewing third-party and customer contract templates, identifying legal, commercial and insurance risks, recommending amendments and participating in contractual negotiations where required

Insurance, Risk Management and Transaction Support

Support the management of the Bidvest Freight Marine Liability Insurance Programme and Bidvest Group-led insurance programmes, including contractual risk assessments, policy interpretation and communication of insurance requirements to business units:

• Coordinate processes and meetings with external stakeholders in connection with insurance renewals and claims and administration of cell captives
• Support major projects, acquisitions and business development initiatives with legal due diligence
• Participate in risk committee meetings and support the implementation and monitoring of the operational risk management program, including maintenance of risk registers, monitoring mitigation actions and liaison with insurance brokers

Legal Research and Training Support

Conduct legal research and prepare draft memos (for review by Head of Legal and Risk) for management and for business units

Legal Risk Management

Collate information and documentation for disputes and litigation and liaising with external attorneys and stakeholders as required:

• Managing the day-to-day contract approval process across business units under the Marine Liability Insurance Programme, including assessment of contractual liabilities, liaison with brokers and business stakeholders, and escalation of material matters to the Head of Legal and Risk where appropriate