Eta Zuma Mining and Industries Limited provides premium solutions to businesses in the primary and secondary sectors of the economy, especially those in solid minerals, extractive industry, manufacturing industry and agriculture. Some of its clients are Zuma 828 Coal Limited, IMEX Mineral Resources and Processing Company, Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited, Zuma Steel W/A Limited, and Zuma Metals & Energy Resources Limited.
Job Summary
- The Head, Legal & Corporate Relations will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and governance oversight for all legal, regulatory, and corporate engagement functions of the organization.
- The role is responsible for safeguarding the Company’s (Etazuma Mining & Industries Limited and its Client Companies) legal interests, ensuring full regulatory compliance, managing litigation exposure, and strengthening corporate relationships with key stakeholders.
- The position serves as a strategic advisor to Executive Management on all legal and corporate matters, ensuring that business decisions are informed, risk-aware, and aligned with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Executive Alignment:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal and Corporate Relations function in alignment with the Company’s overall business objectives.
- Translate Executive Management Directives (EMDs) into actionable legal and corporate strategies.
- Advise Executive Management on legal implications of business decisions, investments, partnerships, and operational activities.
- Proactively identify legal, regulatory, and reputational risks and provide strategic mitigation recommendations.
Legal Advisory & Risk Management:
- Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Company on all corporate, commercial, operational, and regulatory matters.
- Formulate and implement legal strategies to protect the Company’s interests across all business activities.
- Provide guidance on contracts, transactions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring.
- Identify emerging legal risks and ensure proactive risk mitigation and compliance measures.
Litigation Management & Dispute Resolution:
- Provide overall leadership and direction on all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters involving the Company.
- Oversee the preparation, drafting, and review of all court processes, legal submissions, and case documentation.
- Coordinate with external counsel and ensure effective representation of the Company in all legal proceedings.
- Develop strategies for dispute prevention, negotiation, and resolution to minimize legal exposure and cost.
Corporate Governance & Compliance:
- Establish and maintain robust corporate governance frameworks across the organization.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.
- Oversee corporate filings, regulatory submissions, and statutory obligations.
- Monitor adherence to governance standards and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.
Corporate Relations & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Lead corporate engagement with regulators, government agencies, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Manage high-level relationships to support business continuity and regulatory alignment.
- Represent the Company in executive meetings, negotiations, and official engagements as assigned.
- Provide strategic input on corporate positioning, reputation management, and stakeholder relations.
Contract Management & Legal Documentation:
- Oversee the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of all legal agreements and contracts.
- Ensure contractual arrangements adequately protect the Company’s interests and mitigate risks.
- Develop and standardize contract templates, policies, and documentation processes.
Departmental Leadership & Performance Management:
- Provide leadership and oversight to all units within the Legal and Corporate Relations Department.
- Assign tasks, supervise unit heads, and ensure effective execution of departmental responsibilities.
- Establish performance standards, monitor outputs, and drive continuous improvement within the team.
- Build capacity within the department through mentoring, training, and professional development.
Reporting & Executive Communication:
- Provide timely updates to Executive Management on critical issues requiring attention or decision.
- Ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in all legal and corporate communications.
Policy Development & Advisory:
- Develop, review, and implement legal and corporate policies to support organizational objectives.
- Ensure policies are aligned with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Provide advisory support on policy interpretation and implementation across business units.
Confidentiality & Ethical Standards:
- Maintain the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal and corporate information.
- Ensure secure management of legal records and adherence to confidentiality protocols.
- Promote ethical standards and compliance culture across the organization.
Requirements
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized institution.
- Call to the Nigerian Bar (BL) with valid practicing license.
- Master's Degree (LL.M, MBA, or related field) is an added advantage.
Professional Experience:
- 12 - 15 years of post-call experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role (Head of Legal / Senior Legal Counsel / Legal Director).
- Proven experience providing legal advisory at executive or board level.
- Strong background in corporate, commercial, and regulatory law, preferably within:
- Mining / extractive industryEnergy / power sector
- Manufacturing or infrastructure environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-entity or group structures.
- Hands-on experience in:
- Litigation and dispute resolution
- Contract negotiation and structuring
- Corporate governance and compliance oversight.