Legal Manager at SMEC

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review terms and conditions related to specific contracts and ensure that any obligations placed on SJ group companies are in accordance with our commercial and legal operating guidelines.
• Provide assistance with or lead contract negotiations where required.  These contracts shall include, amongst others, agreements with clients, appointments of sub-consultants or contractors; and agreements with other third parties, such as potential business partners.
• Manage litigation matters.  This shall include, amongst others: Consultations and communications with our external legal counsel, Involvement in tender appeal processes.
• Managing debt collection processes. And Involvement in the resolution of contractual disputes.
• Review proposals (and requests for tender) as part of business tendering activities and:   provide legal and related commercial advice in respect of the proposed project-based activities and contractual provisions provided in the request for tender; effectively interface with bid managers and other (e.g. tax, insurance) reviewers and/or advisors; ensure that feedback is given in due course to the project team; and ensure that potential risks to the company is identified and mitigated against in the proposal
• Provide guidance to project managers relating to contractual obligations under current contracts.
• Provide general legal advice
• Assist with any ad hoc commercial and legal responsibilities, including the drafting of legal notices, letters, and providing legal and commercial advice aligned to SMEC standard practice.
• MIS update and compliance.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDIDCATORS

• Successfully conclude contracts with terms that are commercially and legally favourable to SJ, while ensuring risk mitigation and compliance.
• Effectively manage and achieve successful resolution of litigation, arbitration, and other dispute matters involving SJ.
• Drive recovery of bad debts through appropriate and effective legal mechanisms.
• Ensure implementation, adherence, and monitoring of the company’s policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead and support continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk governance.
• Maintain a high level of legal and regulatory compliance, with performance measured through internal and external audits.
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail, adherence to timelines, and the ability to perform under pressure while following established processes.
• Proactively use independent judgment and initiative to address legal and business requirements.
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including drafting, negotiations, and stakeholder interactions.
• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment, including willingness to travel and work beyond official working hours when business exigencies require.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent or better legal qualification. Attorney Certification.
• Maximum 7-9 years post qualification experience.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Experience in handling high stake construction contracts based on FIDIC and IFI standards
• Good exposure in drafting and negotiating engineering design consultancy and construction contracts.
• Experience of working under FIDIC and IFI funded projects for infrastructure, design, architecture, project management and engineering and consultancy contracts.
• Should have handled commercial Litigations and Arbitrations.
• Manage and oversee the company's litigation, including coordinating with external legal counsels and internal stakeholders
• Experience in PowerPoint and MS Excel skills shall be added advantage