LEAD, LEGAL SERVICES (CONTRACT MANAGEMENT) AT RITE FOODS LIMITED | LEGAL SERVICES JOBS IN LAGOS

About Company:

Rite Foods Limited launched as a company in December 2007 as a subsidiary of the Ess-Ay Holdings Limited. It was in the mid-2000s, following the digital evolution in photography that the Group decided to diversify into the FMCG sector, which led to the birth of Rite Foods Limited. 

Job Description:

We are seeking a commercially astute Lead, Legal Services (Contract Management) to serve as the primary architect of our contractual ecosystem. This role is far more than a drafting function; you will be a strategic guardian of the company’s legal and commercial interests. You will lead the end-to-end contract lifecycle, from high-stakes negotiations with external vendors and distributors to the implementation of automated management systems. The ideal candidate balances a rigorous understanding of Nigerian Contract Law with a practical "innovation mindset," ensuring that legal safeguards act as a catalyst—not a bottleneck—for business growth.

Requirements:

1. Contract Lifecycle Governance

• End-to-End Oversight: Implement and manage the full contract lifecycle process, including creation, execution, and proactive renewal or termination strategies.

• Process Innovation: Drive continuous improvement in contract management systems to enhance transparency and speed-to-contract across the enterprise.

• Risk Mapping: Identify contractual vulnerabilities and recommend robust controls to minimize legal and financial exposure.

2. Commercial Negotiation & Strategic Advice

• Negotiation Leadership: Act as the lead legal contact for external partners, providing expert input during commercial negotiations to protect the company's risk appetite.

• Risk Mitigation: Provide clear, actionable legal advice on contractual obligations, ensuring all agreements align with corporate policies and regulatory frameworks.

• Dispute Management: Handle claims, renegotiations, and disputes, liaising with external counsel for litigation or arbitration matters when necessary.

3. Cross-Functional Partnership

• Inter-Departmental Liaison: Partner with Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, and HR to ensure contracts are practically executable and support operational reality.

• Supplier & Partner Relations: Serve as the authoritative legal voice in relationships with vendors and distributors, ensuring mutual compliance and accountability.

• Knowledge Leadership: Educate internal teams on contract standards and best practices to foster a culture of legal compliance.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education & Professional Standing

• Academic: First Degree in Law (LL.B); an LL.M or relevant Postgraduate degree is highly preferred.

• Professional: Membership in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is a significant advantage.

• Tenure: Minimum of 7 years in corporate legal practice, with at least 3 years at a supervisory level specifically focused on contract management.

Core Competencies

• Legal Expertise: Mastery of Nigerian contract law and commercial regulations.

• Drafting Prowess: Proven expertise in drafting complex commercial, distribution, and service-level agreements.

• Commercial Mindset: Ability to balance strict legal risk with commercial practicality and business speed.

• Leadership: Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Salary

Application Closing Date: 30th January, 2026

Application Instructions:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply with the job title as the subject of the email to talents@ritefoodsltd.com