Legal Manager

Job Description

Purpose:

Suez Canal Container terminal (“SCCT”) is operating a container terminal in Egypt and is a Joint-Venture with APM Terminals as the majority shareholder (55%) and operator of the terminal, Cosco (20%), Suez Canal Authority (10.3%), National Bank of Egypt (5%) and Egyptian private sector (9.7%). We want to be recognized by our customers as their most reliable, efficient and cost-effective transshipment terminal in the Mediterranean and Egypt’s gateway to international trade to contribute to the overall Egyptian economy. An important attribute to achieving these objectives is by attract the right people on all levels of the company. We are committed to our employee’s growth and success, offering career development pathways and opportunities for advancement within the company. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background and a proven ability to drive business results by offering insights and guidance to support data-driven decision making. This role provides an excellent development opportunity at a senior level to prepare high-potential individuals for future leadership roles with a clear understanding of what it takes to lead SCCT’s legal strategy at the highest level. 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Manager to join our team at SCCT. The Legal Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the legal affairs of the terminal's operations by advising terminal senior management and handling claims and insurance matters, ensuring compliance with local and international laws, managing contracts, and mitigating legal risks across all aspects of the business. The ideal candidate will have strong legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The Legal Manager will be also involved in project development opportunities and participate with governmental authorities in respect of negotiation of agreements and renewal/obtainment of relevant permits and licenses. 

This is a strategic and hands-on position and requires a high level of independency, self-reliance, and ability to quickly connect the dots to influence decision making. You will be exposed to senior executives with varying interests including those of Joint-Venture partners that look for an effective legal professional who can develop fit-for-purpose solutions and represent SCCT when dealing with external parties. You will be part of a large global network of legal professionals (250) with corresponding career opportunities within the Maersk group.

The position is based at SCCT Container Terminal in the Port Said.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Counsel: Provide day-to-day legal advice to senior management and business units on various legal matters, including maritime law, logistics, transportation, regulatory compliance, contracts, and labor law. Support the application and renewal process of required permits and licenses for the terminal to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Act as the main point of contact at the terminal for legal, claims and insurance related matters.
• Contract Management: Review, draft, negotiate, and manage a wide variety of contracts related to terminal operations, including vendor agreements, service contracts, lease agreements, and customer contracts and advising on the existing concession agreements.
• Claims and Dispute Resolution: Oversee the end-to-end claims management process and manage disputes, including arbitration, litigation, and settlement negotiations, to protect the company’s legal interests.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the terminal's operations are in compliance with relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations (e.g., environmental laws, health and safety regulations, customs and import/export laws) including Maersk compliance program.
• Corporate & Regulatory Affairs: Ensure corporate governance (board and shareholder meetings and resolutions) in coordination with APM Terminals HQ. Keep up to date with changes in relevant legislation and industry regulations, advising management on necessary operational adjustments.
• Training & Awareness: Provide legal training to staff on various legal matters, including compliance, workplace safety, and contractual obligations.
• Internal Coordination: Collaborate with other departments (e.g., finance, HR, operations) to provide legal insights and ensure business decisions align with legal requirements.
• Legal Reporting: Prepare legal reports and analysis for senior leadership, providing insights on key legal risks and developments in the terminal's operations.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing legal team that drives a culture to deliver results and achievement of department goals.