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Director, Legal Counsel - Employment & Compliance, Africa

2 days ago Johannesburg, South Africa

We are seeking an experienced Compliance & Employment Counsel to lead our compliance and employment 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.

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

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.

What You'll Do for Us:

  • Lead Regional Compliance: Oversee compliance across the Africa Operating Unit, integrating Coca-Cola's global compliance programs into business operations, including anti-corruption, trade, AML, sanctions, employment law, labor relations, human rights, whistleblowing, investigations, sustainability reporting and communications, and third-party due diligence.
  • 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 mitigate risks in areas such as employment law, 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 understand priorities, stay ahead of challenges, and maintain a proactive compliance posture.
  • Engage in Cross-Functionally: Work collaboratively to ensure compliance and employment standards are embedded seamlessly into core business strategies.
  • Manage Projects: Own global and regional projects and perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or international equivalent preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum 8+ years' legal experience, including managing compliance, labor, and employment law risk within complex multinational environments.
  • Skills: Exceptional communication, drafting, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing capabilities. Able to translate complex labor and compliance laws into business-friendly guidance.
  • Languages: Fluency in English required.
  • Working Style: Comfortable working autonomously, managing multiple priorities, and making informed decisions across diverse regulatory contexts.

What We Can Do for You:

  • Purpose Driven: Empowerment through a purpose-driven approach that emphasizes protecting communities and delivering safe, quality products.
  • Agility: Encourage innovation and new solutions to complex problems by removing barriers.
  • Global Connections: Opportunities to develop and maintain global networks that facilitate learning and speed in execution.

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

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:30
Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.

Client-provided location(s): Johannesburg, South Africa
Job ID: cocacola-151236653
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-03-02T23:32:44

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • On-Site Gym
    • Life Insurance
    • FSA
    • HSA
  • Parental Benefits

    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Happy Hours
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Volunteer Time Off
    • Personal/Sick Days
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Pension
    • Performance Bonus
    • Financial Counseling
    • Stock Purchase Program
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Professional Coaching
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)