Job Details

📌 Job Title: Legal Counsel I (Regulatory and Compliance)
🏢 Company: takealot.com
📍 Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
💼 Job Type: Full-Time

Company Overview

takealot.com is a leading South African online retailer and one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in Africa. Known for its entrepreneurial culture, customer-centric mindset, and innovation-driven environment, Takealot continues to redefine online retail in the region.

The company offers a market-related Total Remuneration Package with flexibility, a dynamic work environment, and opportunities to contribute to large-scale digital growth initiatives.

Job Overview

The Legal Counsel I (Regulatory & Compliance) will play a key role in overseeing and strengthening regulatory and compliance frameworks across the business. The role requires strong knowledge of South African law, regulatory engagement experience, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

This position involves advising business teams, engaging with regulators and policymakers, implementing compliance programs, and ensuring adherence to both local and international operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

📚 Regulatory Research & Compliance Oversight

Research and interpret laws relating to product compliance, consumer protection, competition law, and general trade.
Implement and monitor regulatory compliance processes across product categories.
Continuously test and improve the effectiveness of the compliance program.

⚖ Legal Advisory & Policy Development

Provide clear, practical legal advice across business teams.
Draft and review policies, procedures, and commercial contracts (with regulatory input).
Support implementation of legal compliance frameworks aligned with operational requirements.

🏛 Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and maintain relationships with government departments, regulators, policymakers, and industry associations.
Respond to regulatory enquiries.
Support Corporate Affairs in advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement.

📊 Reporting & Training

Develop and implement regulatory and compliance training programs.
Raise awareness through communication initiatives.
Collect data and report compliance program status to management and shareholders.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

LLB Degree
Admitted Attorney or Advocate in South Africa

Experience

5–7 years post-admission experience (Bar, law firm, or in-house).
Experience in regulatory and/or compliance law (Essential).
Exposure to governmental affairs or corporate policy roles (Advantageous).
E-commerce experience (Preferred).

Key Attributes

✔ Self-motivated and proactive
✔ Strong drafting and analytical skills
✔ Detail-oriented yet practical
✔ Business-focused mindset
✔ Excellent communication skills
✔ Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
✔ Collaborative and team-oriented
✔ Entrepreneurial and adaptable to change

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate:

Thinks like a business owner.
Is analytical and data-driven.
Thrives in high-growth, fast-changing environments.
Is innovative and challenges the status quo.
Is competitive, hardworking, and execution-focused.
Demonstrates integrity and strong ethical judgment.
Is passionate about the potential of e-commerce in Africa.

Work Environment

At takealot.com, employees are:

Entrepreneurial and dynamic
Customer-centric
Solutions-driven
Focused on execution
Open to direct feedback
Low ego, high output

The culture encourages ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Employment Equity

Takealot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities, in line with South African employment equity legislation.