Senior Legal Manager (Technology focus)

Senior Legal and Regulatory Manager (Technology Focus)Johannesburg / Cape TownOur client is a leading force in the fast-moving technology solutions sector. Known for innovation and a strong commercial footprint, they blend advanced digital platforms with complex operational environments. Governance, regulatory rigour, and strategic legal insight are central to their growth. This role sits at the heart of that mission, shaping how the organisation navigates legal complexity while enabling agile, scalable expansion.Role OverviewThis position is designed for an accomplished legal professional who enjoys operating at a strategic level. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, embedding legal clarity, regulatory confidence, and strong commercial judgment into all major business decisions.The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring someone who is independent, assertive, and unafraid to push back where necessary. You will influence decisions across technology, product, commercial operations, regulatory compliance, and governance. Your contribution will directly impact business resilience, innovation capability, and long-term value creation.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Legal AdvisoryAct as the primary legal advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on commercial, regulatory, and technology-related matters.Provide clear, practical, solution-driven legal guidance in a high-velocity environment.Exhibit the confidence and independence to challenge senior executives where required.Technology, Commercial and IP MattersLead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex technology and commercial agreements, including:SaaS and subscription modelsLicensing, development, transfer and collaboration agreementsTechnology procurement and RFP-related contractsSafeguard the organisation’s intellectual property through robust creation, protection and licensing structures.Develop and maintain consent matrices and technology contracting frameworks.Regulatory, Governance and CoSec ExposureStrengthen regulatory compliance frameworks, with a particular focus on data privacy, the company’s most significant legal risk area.Ensure effective governance processes, including:Statutory filingsDay-to-day governance administrationSupporting board and management meeting preparationParticipate in board meetings where only lawyers are permitted due to privilege.Support will be provided for minute-taking at management meetings.Risk Management and ComplianceIdentify, assess and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across the business.Handle proprietary information with strict confidentiality and zero tolerance for leakage.Drive the development of practical, scalable compliance toolkits and training across teams.Build organisational legal literacy to improve contract lifecycle management and decision quality.Stakeholder EngagementManage relationships with regulatory bodies and external counsel.Build trusted relationships across senior and technical stakeholders.Influence business units toward more risk-aware, commercially aligned decision-making.RequirementsTechnical ExpertiseDeep knowledge of data privacy and protection frameworks.7 - 10 PQE minimumLLB and admitted attorneyStrong intellectual property expertise.Advanced legal drafting and negotiation capability.Extensive experience with technology transactions and related commercial contracting.Familiarity with governance, regulatory, and compliance advisory work.Proven ability to operate within a complex, multifaceted technology enterprise.Professional SkillsStrong business acumen and strategic thinking.Excellent judgment, problem solving and analytical ability.Ability to work well without complete information; comfortable making balanced decisions in ambiguity.Strong communicator with the ability to operate at all levels of the organisation.Additional Technical Focus AreasStrong understanding of SaaS models: subscription, lease, development, transfer.Procurement and RFP process exposure.IP creation, licensing and commercialisation experience.Ability to design and enhance consent matrices and governance frameworks.Competencies and Personal AttributesHigh attention to detail; meticulous (“measure twice, cut once” mindset).Zero tolerance for errors in high-stakes commercial matters.High emotional intelligence with the ability to remain calm and steady under pressure.Curious, adaptable and eager to learn across new domains.Independent thinker with the confidence to say no where necessary.Strong relationship builder with excellent stakeholder management capability.Resilient, pragmatic, and solutions oriented.Cultural fit and personality alignment are essential in this close-knit, high-performing team.If you don't hear back from us in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We encourage you to keep an eye on our social media.