Senior Director: Legal Services- Central University of Technology x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Senior Director: Legal Services (P4)
- Vacancy Number: 509
- Institution: Central University of Technology, Free State
- Division: Registrar
- Business Unit: Office of the Registrar
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Employment Type: Five-year fixed-term contract
- Occupational Level: Director
- Industry: Higher Education
- Salary: R1,873,216 per annum
- Posted: 11 September 2026
- Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Job Overview
The Senior Director: Legal Services will provide strategic leadership and executive legal advisory services to CUT by leading the Legal Services Unit and ensuring effective governance, legal compliance, institutional integrity and legal risk management.
The successful candidate will develop and implement the University’s legal strategy while providing expert legal advice to executive management and governance structures. The role will also oversee litigation and dispute resolution, student disciplinary processes, institutional policies and regulatory frameworks.
The position plays a key role in ensuring that CUT’s legal affairs support its strategic objectives while protecting the University’s interests and reputation.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key areas:
Strategic Legal Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership to the Legal Services Unit.
- Develop and implement the University’s legal strategy.
- Ensure that legal services support CUT’s institutional strategic objectives.
Governance and Compliance
- Provide guidance on governance and statutory compliance.
- Ensure compliance with higher education legislation and applicable laws.
- Strengthen institutional assurance and legal governance frameworks.
Contract Management
- Oversee the development, review and management of legal contracts and documentation.
- Ensure contracts appropriately protect the University’s interests.
Executive Legal Advisory Services
- Provide expert legal advice to executive management.
- Advise Council and relevant governance structures and committees.
- Support institutional decision-making through strategic legal guidance.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Oversee litigation and legal disputes involving the University.
- Provide strategic direction on dispute resolution matters.
- Manage legal risks arising from disputes and litigation.
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
- Lead the development and review of institutional policies.
- Ensure policies remain aligned with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
Legal Risk, Ethics and Information Governance
- Manage enterprise-wide legal risks.
- Promote ethical conduct and institutional integrity.
- Support effective information governance and legal compliance.
Financial Management and Leadership
- Manage financial resources within the Legal Services Unit.
- Lead and develop employees within the unit.
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Law (LLM) at NQF Level 9.
- At least 10 years’ post-admission legal experience.
- At least five years’ experience in a senior management position.
- Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
- Right of Appearance in the High Court.
- Extensive experience in Higher Education governance and legislative requirements.
- Demonstrated experience in litigation, contract law and legal advisory services.
- Must be an admitted legal practitioner in good standing.
- Knowledge of Higher Education legislation and all applicable legislation.
Desired Qualifications and Experience
The following will be advantageous:
- A Doctoral Degree in Law (LLD).
- Extensive experience within higher education or another large public institution.
- At least eight years’ experience in a senior management position.
- Experience advising executive management, Council and governance committees.
- Experience leading legal transformation and governance modernisation initiatives.
- Experience implementing legal technology solutions and contract management systems.
Salary and Benefits
The minimum salary scale is R1,873,216 per annum, based on total cost to company.
CUT applies an internal parity model to determine remuneration in line with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. The preferred candidate may therefore receive an offer based on their qualifications and years of relevant experience.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Recruitment Office for further information regarding the applicable salary scale, remuneration and benefits.
Contract Details
The position is a five-year fixed-term Support Services appointment based at the CUT Bloemfontein Campus.