Managing Counsel South Africa

POSITION: Managing Counsel South Africa

LOCATION: South Africa

JOB GRADING: E Lower

Gold Fields is seeking an experienced Managing Counsel South Africa to join the Group Legal and Governance function. Reporting to the Vice President Legal Operations, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a full range of legal services to support Gold Fields’ activities in South Africa, which includes our South Deep Gold Mine and corporate office in Johannesburg. The Managing Counsel is responsible for leading the in-country legal team and collaborating with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to support a range of initiatives from both the Group Legal and Governance function and the broader Gold Fields business.

• Lead, support and develop the Gold Fields legal team in South Africa and establish processes, procedures and strategies to be implemented in collaboration with the broader Gold Fields Group Legal and Governance team, to meet functional and business objectives.

• Provide quality and timely legal advice on all areas of law affecting Gold Fields activities in South Africa, including both corporate activities, legal and regulatory compliance, and mining operations.

• Oversee the preparation, negotiation and review of commercial contracts required to support procurement activities out of South Africa. Develop and support the implementation of appropriate templates, processes and frameworks to ensure appropriate legal review in line with internal approvals and procedures.

• Contribute to development of legal compliance strategies and risk assessments. Ensure ongoing monitoring of legal obligations applicable to Gold Fields’ activities in South Africa and communicate with the Gold Fields business regarding the same. Support the development of relevant controls, policies and training as required.

• Proactively identify emerging legal risks and make recommendations to mitigate those risks, in collaboration with the relevant Gold Fields operational or functional teams.

• Oversee the engagement of external legal support, including in relation to any disputes or contentious matters that arise in the South African jurisdiction related to Gold Fields activities. Provide strategic advice on the management of claims and disputes.

• Provide appropriate advice and governance for internal investigations, including whistleblower complaints. Provide appropriate legal advice and oversight of any external investigations, including from regulators or government entities.

• Support the Group Legal and Governance function by engaging with and developing relationships with Gold Fields’ senior leadership and functional teams in South Africa, as the most senior lawyer based in the corporate office. Provide crisis management support, and contribute to the development and implementation of broader Group Legal and Governance team initiatives, including through collaboration with other jurisdictions and teams as required.

• Promote and uphold Gold Fields’ culture of care and accountability, values, ethics, commitment to sustainable practices, and advise on all legal aspects of sustainability performance and reporting relevant to the mining sector.

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent is required with an admission to practice law in South Africa.

• Minimum of 10 - 15 years of legal experience in a senior position, preferably within a global organization, including time spent in the mining or resource extraction industry.

• Proven track record leading legal teams and managing complex legal projects.

• Knowledge of applicable legislation and legal requirements for a mining company operating in South Africa. Familiarity with legal requirements for JSE and NYSE listed entities will be beneficial.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the business.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen ability to attention to detail.

• Ability to think strategically and align performance management practices with organizational goals.