Econo Foods is a South African food distributor and retailer specializing in frozen and chilled foods, groceries, and fresh produce. It has both retail stores for the public and a wholesale food service division that supplies the hospitality and food service industry. The company was founded in 1996.

Description

• The Legal Operations Partner (Advisor) will provide expert legal and business advisory support across the organization, with a primary focus on property and commercial contracts, labour relations, and company secretariat functions.
• This role ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, mitigates legal risks, and supports leadership in making informed business decisions aligned with corporate governance standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Property & Commercial Contracts

• Draft, review, and negotiate property lease agreements, suppler contracts, service level agreements, and credit agreements.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide legal opinions to protect company interests in property transactions and commercial arrangements.
• Manage legal due diligence and compliance in property acquisitions, transfers, or disposals.
• Maintain a central contracts register, ensuring timely renewals, terminations, and compliance with obligations.
• Oversee and manage the communication of new retail store openings and the property monthly meeting (arrangement of the meeting, agenda circulation and minutes of the meeting).

Labour Relations

• Provide expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters, including disciplinary hearings, grievances, disputes, and CCMA cases.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EE Act, OHSA, etc.) and maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in employment law.
• Support People Operations in drafting and reviewing policies, procedures, and employment contracts.
• Represent the company in external forums, including CCMA, Bargaining Councils, or labour court (where applicable).
• Provide training and capacity-building (as required) on labour relations practices.

Company Governance

• Provide legal support to the Legal Operations Manager
• Assist the Legal Operations Manager in prepping in preparing agendas, minutes and resolutions for the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Sub-Committees.
• Assist the Legal Operations Manager to ensure compliance with Companies Act, CIPC requirements, BBBEE, and other governance codes.
• Conduct legal research and provide guidance on compliance and risk issues.
• Maintain and update legal documentation and records.
• Prepare reports and assist with legal operations administration.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external legal advisors, and regulatory bodies when required.
• Oversee and manage Department of Labour visits and support line leaders and People Operations in preparing document and facilitate the process pre and prior a visit.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree (essential); Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (advantageous but not compulsory).
• 2 – 5 years’ experience in a legal advisory or corporate legal role, with exposure to labour relations, property law, and company secretarial functions.
• Solid experience in Commercial Law, with specific focus on: Commercial rental agreements, Supplier agreements, and Credit agreements.
• Strong understanding of South African labour legislation, contract law, and corporate governance frameworks.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Solid experience in Commercial Law, with specific focus on: Commercial rental agreements, Supplier agreements, and Credit agreements.
• Excellent knowledge of labour law, contract law, and corporate governance.
• Proven experience in Labour Law including internal disciplinary hearings and process, CCMA conciliation and arbitrations.
• Proficiency in legal drafting, reviewing, and negotiation.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgement.
• Effective communication and advisory skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, while collaborating cross-functionally with People Ops, Finance, Commercial and Exco. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Building and maintaining relationships – living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture.
• Friendly, helpful, confident yet humble, and able to work well in a team.
• Ability to work in a highly competitive, fast past and dynamic environment.