Simba Group which started operations in 1988, is a conglomerate having a Pan-Nigeria presence and business interests in some other most dynamic sectors in the economy. The Group is a dominant player in the transportation, power products and IT-enabled service sectors which are critical to the sustained growth of the Nigerian Economy. The corporate vision of the Group is to provide innovative and quality products along with excellent aftersales service to our customers.The activities of the Group are guided by strong value systems built around Integrity, Innovation, Openness, and Consistency.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Legal

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• As the Head of Legal, you will lead the legal department of the organization, overseeing all legal matters and providing strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management.
• Your primary objective will be to ensure that the company operates within the boundaries of the law and effectively managåes legal risks.
• You will be responsible for managing the legal team, handling legal disputes, negotiating contracts, and providing legal support to various departments within the organization.

Responsibilities
Legal Strategy and Compliance:

• Develop and implement the organization’s legal strategy in alignment with its goals and objectives.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to senior management on legal risks and compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to promote legal and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Contract Management:

• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of various contracts, including vendor agreements, customer contracts, and partnerships.
• Ensure contracts protect the organization’s interests and comply with legal requirements.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop contract templates and standard terms.
• Advise on contract interpretation and provide guidance on dispute resolution or contract termination.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and assess legal risks associated with the organization’s operations, projects, and initiatives.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and controls to minimize legal exposure.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Compliance, Risk Management, and Human Resources, to implement effective risk management practices.
• Conduct legal audits or assessments to evaluate compliance with legal requirements and recommend improvements.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation:

• Oversee and manage legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Engage and manage external legal counsel when necessary.
• Assess and manage litigation risks and costs.
• Develop strategies for dispute resolution and negotiate settlements when appropriate.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management:

• Protect the organization’s intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
• Oversee the registration, maintenance, and defense of intellectual property assets.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or licensing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.

Corporate Governance and Compliance:

• Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Board of Directors and executive management in governance-related activities, such as board meetings, shareholder communications, and regulatory filings.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs to promote legal awareness and compliance among employees.

Team Management:

• Lead and manage the legal team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members.
• Allocate resources effectively and manage the department’s budget.

Qualifications
Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university.
• Call to the Nigerian Bar (BL), certifying the candidate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Master of Laws (LL.M) is an added advantage.
• Relevant certifications or diplomas in areas such as corporate governance, compliance, or specialized legal fields (e.g., arbitration, intellectual property) are preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 – 10 years of legal practice, with substantial experience in a leadership or senior advisory role.
• Proven track record in managing legal teams and advising on corporate legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in automotive, power solutions, or real estate legal frameworks is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian legal frameworks, and experience liaising with regulatory bodies and external legal counsels.

Application Closing Date
24th October, 2024.