Director, Employment & Compliance Counsel, Africa

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Employment & Compliance Counsel Director to lead our employment and compliance practice across our Africa Operating Unit. This role offers an opportunity to leverage legal and regulatory expertise in a dynamic, international environment while contributing to Coca-Cola's mission to refresh the world and make a difference.

This highly visible, networked role reports to the Head of Global Compliance and serves as a key member of both the Africa OU People & Culture Team and the Africa Operating Unit Legal Team. This role will also collaborate closely with the Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Team as well as the Global Human Rights team.

The Employment & Compliance Counsel will oversee a broad range of compliance, regulatory, and employment law matters, including Government and Public Engagement, Trade and Sanctions Compliance, Human Rights, Employment and Labor Law, Third-Party Risk Management, and Code of Business Conduct.

The ideal candidate will function as both advisor and strategic partner-closely collaborating with regional and global teams, embedding compliance and labor law best practices into business operations, and influencing business strategy.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Regional Compliance Efforts

Oversee compliance across the Operating Units, implementing Coca-Cola's global compliance programs (anti-corruption, trade, AML, sanctions, employment law, labor relations, human rights, whistleblowing, investigations, sustainability reporting and communications, and third-party due diligence) into regional business operations.

Employment Law & Workplace Compliance

• Provide legal advice and strategic guidance on regional labor and employment laws, workplace investigations, terminations, disciplinary actions, litigation/disputes and policy development.
• Monitor legislative changes impacting employment relationships in Africa and coordinate timely policy and practice updates.

Drive Global Collaboration

Serve as a liaison between global subject matter experts and Africa teams, adapting compliance and employment law initiatives to local realities and business objectives.

Identify and Mitigate Risks

Proactively assess and address risks related to:

• Employment Law Issues
• Regulatory compliance
• Government and public engagement
• Human rights
• Labor and employment practices
• Third-party risk management
• Sustainability reporting and communications

Act as Strategic Business Partner

Integrate compliance and employment law considerations into decision-making, ensuring alignment with ethical and legal requirements.

Relationship Development

Build partnerships with leaders across the business, HR, and legal functions to stay ahead of challenges and maintain a proactive compliance posture.

Engage in Cross-Functional Teams

Ensure compliance principles - including employment standards - are embedded seamlessly into core business strategies.

Manage Projects

Own global and regional compliance-related projects with measurable outcomes.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 8+ years' legal experience, including managing compliance, labor, and employment law risk within complex multinational environments.
• Exceptional communication, drafting, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing capabilities. Able to translate complex labor and compliance laws into business-friendly guidance.
• Fluency in English required.
• Comfortable working autonomously, managing multiple priorities, and making informed decisions across diverse regulatory contexts.

Position Details

• Role Type: Individual contributor, no direct reports

What We Offer

• Purpose Driven: Play a key role in protecting communities, safeguarding workplace rights, and ensuring quality, ethical business execution.
• Agility: Encourage creative, proactive approaches to compliance and operational risks - including employment law issues.
• Global Connections: Leverage an international network for learning, innovation, and career growth.

Skills:
Compliance; Ethics; Labor Law Compliance; Employee Compliance; Influencing

Client-provided location(s): Johannesburg, South Africa

Job ID: cocacola-149453680

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-10-16T23:33:06