Legal Manager

Key Responsibilities1. Contract ManagementManage the entire contract lifecycle including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, finalizing, and monitoring compliance.Participate in commercial discussions with internal stakeholders and external parties to align legal risk mitigation with business objectives.Maintain a repository of agreements, oversee renewals, and ensure timely amendments and updates.2. Intellectual Property (IP) ManagementOversee adoption, prosecution, registration, renewal, and enforcement of trademarks and copyrights (including international IPR).Conduct trademark searches and advise on brand strategy, especially in foreign markets such as Africa and GCC.Manage a large global trademark portfolio and coordinate with local/international counsel for filings, oppositions, cancellations, restorations, and litigation.Lead IP enforcement activities, including actions against infringers, counterfeiters, and unauthorized use of brand assets.Support IP-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, business transfers, and assignments.3. Litigation & Dispute ResolutionHandle a broad range of civil, criminal, arbitration, and commercial disputes including recovery suits, breach of contract, cheque dishonour, fraud, and property matters.Draft legal notices, responses, applications, and coordinate case strategies with external advocates and senior counsel.Lead initiatives for dispute resolution, settlement strategies, and pre-litigation advisory.Manage international litigation matters where applicable.4. Corporate Legal AdvisoryProvide legal counsel to management, business heads, and functional teams across commercial, finance, production, regulatory, and CSR domains.Support business transactions such as cross-border mergers, acquisitions, business transfers, and due diligence.Ensure all business decisions and initiatives align with statutory requirements and risk mitigation strategies.5. Compliance & Regulatory OversightGuide internal teams on statutory, regulatory, and corporate compliance requirements.Conduct periodic compliance reviews and factory/site visits to identify gaps and recommend corrective measures.Implement compliance frameworks to reduce costs, prevent violations, and minimize litigation exposure.Maintain updated knowledge of relevant laws, rules, and regulatory changes impacting business operations.6. Stakeholder & Team CoordinationWork closely with cross-functional teams to ensure legal issues are addressed promptly and effectively.Liaise with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders for smooth management of legal matters.Provide legal training, awareness sessions, and process improvements to enhance organizational compliance culture.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law (LL.B / LL.M) from a recognized university.8–12+ years of experience in corporate legal roles, preferably within pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or FMCG sectors.Strong expertise in contract drafting, IP management, and dispute resolution.Experience handling cross-border legal matters and working with international counsel is an advantage.