You'll be the person who deals with contracts, disputes and compliance questions across South Africa and every other country we operate in. You'll manage the legal department and get real ownership over how we handle IP, litigation, and the agreements that keep the business moving. This role covers a wide brief - litigation one day, a JV agreement the next, labour law questions across nine countries the day after, etc. If you want one narrow lane, this isn't it. If you want to build and run a legal function, it is.
WHAT THE JOB ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
- Advise on commercial contracts, vendor agreements, IP, POPIA and corporate governance across our markets.
- Handle leases, property purchases and cross-country agreements, working with local lawyers where needed.
- Manage IP and trademark matters, including infringement issues and prosecution.
- Set litigation strategy and liaise with external counsel on active matters.
- Draft, review and negotiate complex agreements, including finance and joint venture deals.
- Keep the business compliant across the Companies Act, POPIA, NCA, CPA, LRA, BCEA and equivalent laws elsewhere.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
- LLB and admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
- Minimum 5 years' post-admission experience in commercial law.
- Working knowledge of company law, drafting corporate documents, leases, franchise and supply agreements.
- Experience with trademarks, IP, and litigation.
- Knowledge of credit and collateral/security agreements, and labour law in RSA and other countries.
- Advantages: LLM; legal experience in QSR or retail.
WHAT YOU GET
- Ownership of the legal department at a group operating across multiple African countries.
- Direct exposure to corporate governance and strategy at leadership level.
- Broad scope - contracts, IP, litigation and compliance, not one narrow specialism.
WHO WE ARE
Hungry Lion started as one store in Stellenbosch in 1997, built on great food and genuine energy. Today that idea runs across 500+ stores in multiple African countries, and we're still growing — backed by smart use of AI and technology and people who think differently. Whether you're on the floor, in the kitchen, or at HQ, you shape what this brand becomes. The best of Hungry Lion is still ahead, and we're looking for people who want to help build it.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
- Minimum five years post-admission experience in commercial law
- Working knowledge of company law and ability to draft corporate documents and commercial agreements
- Working knowledge and experience in trademarks and intellectual property
- Litigation experience
- Knowledge of credit and collateral/security agreements and arrangements
- Knowledge of labour law in South Africa and other countries
- Relevant legal experience in Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) or retail
- Strong interest in corporate transactions and company legislation
What We Do
Hungry Lion is a South African fast-food restaurant franchise established in 1997, specializing in fried chicken, burgers, and other chicken meals. It operates in multiple African countries, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality food in a modern fast-food environment.
