About the Role
The Legal Officer is responsible for providing legal advisory, contract management, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and litigation support to the Company's operations.
This role ensures that the Company operates within the framework of applicable laws while safeguarding corporate and brand assets and minimizing legal risks. The Legal Officer will work closely with the Company Secretary/Legal Manager to support business objectives through proactive legal guidance and efficient risk management.
If you are analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in corporate and commercial law within a structured business environment, this role is for you.
What You'll Do
Contract Management & Commercial Advisory
Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements (supplier, procurement, distribution, service, logistics, NDAs, partnerships).
Provide legal advice on contractual obligations, risk allocation, and dispute prevention.
Develop and maintain standard contract templates.
Ensure consistency in contractual practices across the organisation.
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Advisory
Provide legal guidance on laws and regulations affecting business operations.
Monitor regulatory developments within the FMCG and manufacturing sector.
Liaise with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance.
Support development and implementation of internal compliance policies.
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
Support protection and management of intellectual property (trademarks, product names, packaging, brand assets).
Assist with trademark registrations, renewals, and infringement monitoring.
Work with external counsel on counterfeiting and brand misuse cases.
Provide legal support to commercial and product development teams.
Export & International Trade Support
Provide legal support for export transactions and international distribution.
Review cross-border contracts and trade documentation.
Advise on import/export regulations and international trade laws.
Identify and mitigate legal risks in international operations.
Litigation & Dispute Management
Support management of litigation, arbitration, and disputes.
Prepare and review legal documentation with external counsel.
Track ongoing cases and provide risk analysis and updates.
Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial Support
Maintain statutory registers and corporate records in compliance with CAMA.
Assist with regulatory filings and governance documentation.
Ensure proper documentation and filing of legal records.
Policy Development & Risk Management
Develop and review internal policies and procedures.
Provide legal input on business initiatives and policy changes.
Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Work closely with Finance, HR, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Sales teams.
Provide practical legal advice to support decision-making.
Liaise with external solicitors, consultants, and regulators.
What We're Looking For
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from a recognised university, with at least second-class upper division at both the University and Law School.
Called to the Nigerian Bar and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Experience
Minimum of 3 - 5 years post-call experience in a reputable law firm, or an in-house legal department in a corporate organisation operating in the FMCG sector.
Experience in commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, or corporate advisory is desirable.
Experience in the FMCG, manufacturing, or consumer goods sector will be an added advantage.
Core Skills & Competencies
Strong legal drafting and contract review skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
Effective negotiation and communication skills.
Strong understanding of corporate and commercial law.
Knowledge of intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.