Unit Head - Corporate & Companies Law

About the Role

The Unit Head Corporate & Companies Law leads the Corporate & Companies Law Unit, responsible for overseeing the delivery of legal advisory services, litigation management, corporate transactions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. This role involves managing the unit's day-to-day operations while providing strategic legal advice to business and senior management. The position also focuses on driving continuous improvement, developing team capability, and ensuring that the company’s legal interests are effectively protected according to applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

• Lead legal due diligence processes and oversee the review of corporate transactions documents.
• Provide strategic legal advice on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring initiatives.
• Lead negotiations relating to corporate transactions and advise on transaction structures.
• Ensure all corporate transactions comply with applicable Omani laws and regulatory requirements.

1. Real Estate and Property Law

• Oversee all legal matters relating to real estate transactions, acquisitions, leases, and property management.
• Provide legal oversight on foreclosure and repossession matters.
• Review and approve complex property-related legal documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable real estate legislation and internal policies.

1. Corporate Transactions and Financing

• Oversee the drafting, review, negotiation, and approval of contracts, agreements, and legal documentation.
• Review complex banking documentation and advise business units on legal implications.
• Oversee preparation and authentication of legal documentation.
• Ensure compliance with securities regulations and support capital market activities where applicable.

1. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Lead the management of litigation matters and establish appropriate legal strategies.
• Review significant legal disputes and provide recommendations to the Head of Legal.
• Oversee relationships with external legal counsel and monitor litigation performance.
• Work closely with Collections and Remedial Departments to align recovery strategies with legal requirements.
• Ensure timely reporting of litigation matters, legal exposure, and emerging risks.
• Oversee ongoing litigation matters and provide the Head of Legal with case updates and recommendations.
• Manage legal disputes involving the company and oversee arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiations.
• Review and approve legal documentation including demand letters, complaints, and legal submissions.
• Represent the company in court proceedings, negotiations, and mediations where delegated.
• Recommend settlement approaches based on legal and commercial considerations.

1. Regulatory Compliance

• Lead compliance with applicable banking laws, corporate legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Advise business units and the Head of Legal on legislative and regulatory developments affecting the company.
• Ensure implementation of regulatory changes across the Corporate & Companies Law Unit.
• Support the Head of Legal in engagements with regulators and government authorities.

1. Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements issued by the Central Bank of Oman and other applicable authorities.
• Support compliance with Shariah laws and principles relating to Islamic Banking matters.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the company and ensure timely implementation where applicable.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with banking operations and corporate transactions.
• Provide legal advice to support business initiatives while minimizing legal exposure.
• Support the implementation of legal compliance programs and internal governance initiatives.
• Promote proactive legal risk management across the company.

1. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF)

• Ensure legal support relating to AML and CTF regulatory requirements.
• Support fraud prevention initiatives by providing legal advice on financial crime risks.
• Provide legal interpretation relating to AML legislation and regulatory requirements.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Corporate & Companies Law team to ensure high standards of performance and professional development.
• Allocate work, monitor workloads, and ensure effective utilization of resources within the unit.
• Review legal advice, documentation, and deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify development opportunities for team members.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing culture within the unit.

1. Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee legal case statistics and litigation reporting for management.
• Review legal invoices and ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Oversee annual law firm performance reviews in accordance with the Legal Procedure Manual.
• Monitor workload distribution and resource planning within the unit.
• Support the Head of Legal in departmental planning and operational initiatives.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal departments, senior business units, and external legal advisors.
• Represent the Corporate & Companies Law Unit in internal committees and cross-functional initiatives where required.
• Build effective working relationships with regulators, external legal counsel, and government authorities.
• Ensure legal solutions effectively support the company’s strategic and operational objectives.

Requirements

• Omani nationals only.
• University Degree in Law. A master’s degree in law, MBA, or relevant professional legal qualification is preferred.
• Minimum 9-12 years of relevant experience in corporate, commercial, banking, or financial services law, including experience supervising legal work, managing complex legal matters, and providing legal advice to business stakeholders.