Head of Legal

Let's Write Africa's Story Together! Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this. Job Description Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI) is one of Africa's leading private alternative investment managers. We have over ZAR 147.6 B (USD 7.9 B) in assets under management in Infrastructure, Private Equity, Impact Investing, Hybrid Capital and Diversified Credit. Established in South Africa in 2000, OMAI is one of the first alternative investment managers, inheriting a rich history in the investing space as a member of the Old Mutual Group, with more than 175 years of investing experience in Africa.We are looking for an experienced, strategic and commercially-minded Head of Legal to lead our legal function. The successful candidate will play a critical role in guiding the firm's legal, regulatory, and governance matters across its diverse portfolio of alternative investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, and other non-traditional asset classes. Key Result Areas: Overall Provide expert and commercially sound legal advice that proactively identifies, assesses, and mitigates legal and regulatory risk across OMAI's investment activities, strategic and growth initiatives while ensuring alignment with Old Mutual Group legal standards and relevant policies. Develop and execute the legal strategy to support business objectives and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Enhance OMAI's reputation through professional conduct, credibility, and effectiveness in negotiations and stakeholder engagements. Regulatory, Risk & Compliance Ensure ongoing compliance with local and international financial regulations, including relevant securities, fund management, and anti-money laundering requirements. Advise and provide input to the business, industry bodies and regulators regarding new legislation and regulation. Maintain accurate, concise legal records that clearly articulate transaction rationale and risk mitigants. Governance & Company Secretarial Advise on governance structures, board processes, and shareholder matters. Manage litigation, arbitration, and settlement processes, working closely with external advisors as needed and within relevant Old Mutual Group litigation policies. Support company secretarial functions and corporate governance requirements in line with the Old Mutual Group standards. Stakeholder & External Relations Act as a trusted advisor to executive management and investment teams on complex legal matters, structuring solutions that balance risk, compliance, and commercial outcomes. Liaise with regulators, external counsel, investors, and other stakeholders to represent the company's interests and manage relationships with key counterparties to protect and advance the organisation. Represent OMAI's legal function with integrity and professionalism at all times, ensuring alignment with Old Mutual Group legal policies, standards, and governance structures. Legal Function Leadership & Operations Lead, develop, and manage the Legal team to deliver consistent, high-quality legal services. Draft and implement internal policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure robust legal and ethical standards. Drive legal operations efficiency: external counsel management, matter tracking, contract management systems and cost discipline. Identify and implement legal technology solutions that reduce manual processes and improve turnaround times. Skills, Qualifications & Experience required: Admitted attorney with a law degree from a reputable institution. Minimum 15 years' post-qualification experience, including significant work in alternative investments, private equity, or asset management. Demonstrated track record leading legal teams and working at executive level. Deep knowledge of investment structures, fund management, and relevant regulations in South Africa and key international jurisdictions. Proven experience in complex time-pressured transactions and executive level advisory. Experience advising on cross-border transactions and navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments. Exposure to legal operations, contract management platforms or legal technology initiatives is an advantage. Personal Attributes: Commercially minded and legally rigorous. Operates with confidence, speed and sound judgement in ambiguous environments. Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Exceptional negotiation and risk assessment skills. Pro-active and solutions-orientated: brings options to the table. High integrity, discretion, and professional credibility, trusted advisor to leadership. Collaborative leader who builds capability and accountability within the legal function. Skills Leadership, Legal Matters, Regulatory Compliance, Team Management Competencies Balances Stakeholders Builds Networks Business Insight Collaborates Ensures Accountability Instills Trust Interpersonal Savvy Manages Ambiguity Education Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom) (Required) Closing Date 07 May 2026 , 23:59 The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question. The Old Mutual Story! Old Mutual is a premium African financial services organisation that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key market segments in 14 countries. The lines of business include Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management and Banking and Lending. We are rooted in our purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day and believe that a great customer experience is anchored in a great employee experience.