Legal & Corporate Affairs Manager

Legal & Corporate Affairs Manager Company: NeoFort Holding Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Employment Type: Full-time Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level Reporting To: Group CEO About NeoFort Holding NeoFort Holding is a UAE-based diversified investment and operating group with interests across maritime, energy, technology, real estate, and other commercial sectors. The Group focuses on strategic investments, business acquisitions, partnerships, and the long-term development of its portfolio companies. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Legal & Corporate Affairs Manager to oversee the Group's legal affairs, corporate governance, contractual matters, and regulatory compliance. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the successful candidate will serve as the Group's principal in-house legal adviser, supporting investment transactions, corporate activities, and commercial operations across its portfolio. The role requires a proactive professional capable of independently managing legal matters, coordinating external counsel, and providing practical, business-oriented legal advice. Key Responsibilities Corporate & Commercial Legal Affairs - Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts, service agreements, joint ventures, and strategic partnership arrangements. - Provide legal advice on corporate transactions, investments, acquisitions, and business restructuring. - Review and support shareholder agreements, investment agreements, financing arrangements, and other transaction documents. - Identify contractual and legal risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. - Support executive management during commercial negotiations and major transactions. Corporate Governance - Oversee corporate governance requirements across the Group and its subsidiaries. - Prepare and maintain shareholder resolutions, board resolutions, powers of attorney, and corporate records. - Maintain oversight of corporate structures, ownership documentation, and delegated authorities. - Coordinate corporate secretarial matters and ensure compliance with applicable governance requirements. - Support the development and implementation of Group policies and internal legal procedures. Legal Risk & Compliance - Monitor applicable legal and regulatory obligations affecting Group entities. - Coordinate legal aspects of regulatory filings, licensing, and corporate compliance. - Support legal due diligence for potential acquisitions, investments, and partnerships. - Identify and escalate material legal, regulatory, and contractual exposures. - Work with Finance and Administration to strengthen internal controls and compliance procedures. Dispute Management & External Counsel - Manage relationships with external law firms and specialist legal advisers. - Coordinate litigation, arbitration, claims, and dispute-resolution matters involving Group entities. - Review external legal advice and provide clear recommendations to executive management. - Monitor legal proceedings, contractual deadlines, legal budgets, and case developments. - Ensure the Group's interests are consistently represented and protected. Executive Advisory - Provide practical, commercially focused legal recommendations directly to the Group CEO. - Prepare legal risk assessments, executive briefings, and decision papers. - Support strategic initiatives and cross-border transactions. - Maintain centralized oversight of material contracts, legal obligations, and corporate documentation. Qualifications & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent recognized legal qualification. - Qualified lawyer or legal practitioner in a recognized jurisdiction. - Minimum 8 years of relevant legal experience, including substantial corporate and commercial legal work. - Prior in-house experience with a diversified holding company, investment group, family office, or multinational business is strongly preferred. - Strong knowledge of UAE corporate and commercial laws and regulatory requirements. - Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements. - Experience supporting M&A transactions, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, and investment agreements. - Experience coordinating external counsel and managing cross-border legal matters. - Excellent command of written and spoken English. Arabic proficiency is an advantage. Key Competencies - Strong commercial judgment and business-oriented legal thinking. - Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex matters. - Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. - Sound understanding of corporate governance and risk management. - Strong communication and executive advisory capabilities. - High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professional discretion. - Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with attention to detail. What We Offer - Direct engagement with Group executive management. - Exposure to diversified investments, acquisitions, and international commercial transactions. - Opportunity to establish and develop the Group's internal legal and corporate governance function. - A dynamic environment with meaningful responsibility and professional growth. To Apply: Submit your application through LinkedIn with an updated CV highlighting relevant corporate legal experience, transaction involvement, and in-house advisory responsibilities. Show more Show less