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.

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.