In-House Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in the international wine industry, is seeking a strategic and experienced In-House Counsel with a specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This role is based in the picturesque town of Paarl, Western Cape , offering a unique opportunity to shape the company's growth trajectory through strategic transactions. You will be an integral part of the legal team, providing expert advice on all aspects of M&A activities, from initial due diligence through to post-transaction integration. We are looking for a seasoned legal professional who can manage complex deal structures, navigate international regulatory environments, and provide pragmatic commercial solutions. This position offers significant exposure to high-level corporate strategy and the chance to make a tangible impact on the company's global footprint. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments. Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence for potential targets and counterparties. Draft, negotiate, and finalize M&A agreements, term sheets, and related transaction documents. Advise on corporate structuring, financing, and regulatory compliance related to transactions. Liaise with external legal counsel, investment banks, and other advisors during deal execution. Assess and mitigate legal risks associated with M&A activities. Provide ongoing legal support to the corporate development and business teams. Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate laws, securities regulations, and listing rules. Manage post-closing integration of acquired entities. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Requirements Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience, with a significant portion focused on M&A and corporate finance. Proven track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A transactions. In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities law, and transactional finance. Experience working within a reputable law firm or as in-house counsel for a publicly traded company is preferred. Strong commercial acumen and the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice. Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. Experience with international transactions and cross-border regulatory frameworks is a plus. High level of integrity and professional ethics. Fluency in English; knowledge of other relevant languages is an advantage. Benefits Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses. In addition to standard benefits such as comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and a leading retirement savings plan, this role provides significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing international enterprise. The working environment in Paarl is dynamic and collaborative, fostering innovation and professional growth. Employees benefit from generous leave policies and access to company-sponsored professional development programs. Opportunities for travel related to international transactions may arise. This role offers a chance to work at the forefront of corporate strategy in the beautiful Western Cape . #J-18808-Ljbffr