Legal and Government Relations Manager

Job Title: Legal and Government Relations Manager
Location: Lagos
Industry: FMCG

The Legal and Government Relations Manager is tasked with building and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers on behalf of the company. This senior-level role will collaborate closely with the executive team to proactively identify and address government-related opportunities and challenges that affect the company’s operations and growth within the food and beverage sector.

Key Responsibilities:
• Draft, analyze, and review a wide variety of legal agreements, legislation, and documents for management.
• Review, issue, and manage contracts.
• Provide advice on corporate legal issues and business matters.
• Offer internal advisory services to the business units and departments within the company.
• Provide commercial legal support to all departmental projects and job functions.
• Ensure the development of service level agreements for service support and delivery.
• Assist in the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Review and advise management on the legal implications of internal policies and procedures.
• Establish a legal framework for managing guarantors, including guarantor criteria and verification.
• Perform research on all pending court cases involving the company to assist the Company Legal Counsel.
• Assist in responding to and resolving issues related to product complaints received from consumers and government regulators.
• Oversee and manage a liaison program between the organization and legislative entities.
• Research and monitor government activities that could affect the organization’s business and clients.
• Assist senior management and leadership with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory activities related to the business and industry.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with members of federal, state, and local government entities and agencies.
• Collaborate with industry advocates to develop areas of common interest.
• Join trade associations and industry committees and seek leadership roles.

Requirements:
• Possess a first degree in Law with a minimum of a Second Class (Upper Division).
• Hold a certificate of Call to the Nigerian Bar.
• Be a member of NIPR (membership is an added advantage).
• Have 10 years of experience in advocacy or public policy.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Maintain strong government contacts at local, state, and federal levels.
• Have experience in litigation, legal drafting, and intellectual property practice.
• Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools.
• Have a working knowledge of labor legislation.
• Exhibit strong analytical, problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills.
• Display a high degree of integrity and the ability to work with minimal supervision.