About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, with products enjoyed over one billion times daily across more than 200 countries. In 2021, the company generated $79 billion in net revenue from iconic brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, and Quaker. Guided by the pep+ vision, PepsiCo focuses on sustainability, human capital, and positive change for the planet and people. Operating within planetary boundaries, PepsiCo drives innovation and growth while prioritizing ethical practices. In South Africa, PepsiCo plays a vital role in the food and beverage sector, offering exciting opportunities for legal professionals to contribute to its success.

Role Overview

The Junior Legal Counsel – Enabling Pillar position in Cape Town, Western Cape, is an entry-level role within PepsiCo's dynamic legal team. Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, you will support global legal service projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive process improvements across South Africa, Botswana, and Sub-Saharan Africa. This role is ideal for ambitious lawyers with 1-3 years of experience seeking to make an impact in a multinational environment. With a focus on project management, risk monitoring, and technology adoption, you'll help safeguard PepsiCo's operations while advancing your career in corporate law.

Key Focus Areas

Your work will span legal project delivery, regulatory horizon scanning, HR policy support, and enterprise risk management, ensuring PepsiCo remains agile and compliant in a fast-evolving landscape.

Key Responsibilities

As Junior Legal Counsel, your core duties include collaborating on high-impact projects and providing proactive legal support:

• Partner with Senior Legal Counsel to deliver Global Legal Service Projects, managing timelines, deliverables, and transitions across the team.
• Monitor emerging laws, judgements, and regulations impacting the business; analyze implications and draft recommendations for mitigation and readiness.
• Assist the People Function with restated policies, human rights governance, and high-volume HR templates, researching precedents to mitigate workforce risks.
• Drive technology and simplification initiatives, from ideation to deployment, enhancing legal team efficiency.
• Track Enterprise Risk Management workstreams with horizon scanning for risks in SA, Botswana, and Sub-Saharan Africa; prepare reports to influence mitigation.
• Design processes for streamlined legal services, identify training needs, and advise on product recalls, crisis strategies, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must demonstrate strong legal acumen and adaptability:

• Education: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal degree.
• Professional Status: Admitted as an attorney or candidate attorney in progress.
• Experience: 1–3 years post-qualification in corporate/commercial law, compliance, or labour law.
• Key Skills: Project management, legal technology familiarity, regulatory knowledge in labour law and governance, analytical abilities, research and drafting, strategic risk thinking, and excellent communication.
• Advantages: Exposure to multinational environments and process automation tools.

PepsiCo values candidates who thrive in ambiguity, collaborate globally, and balance compliance with business goals.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a rewarding package for Junior Legal Counsel:

• Estimated salary range of ZAR 650,000–950,000 annually, based on sector benchmarks with upside potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement savings, and wellness programs.
• Generous leave, flexible work options, and family benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge legal tech and global resources.
• Commitment to diversity as an Equal Opportunity Employer under the Employment Equity Act.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, your career trajectory is limitless. This junior role provides mentorship from senior leaders, exposure to international projects, and structured development aligned with the General Counsel's vision. Advance to senior counsel positions, specialize in compliance or risk, or transition into broader business leadership. PepsiCo's pep+ initiative emphasizes human capital, offering training, certifications, and mobility across Africa and globally.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo's Cape Town legal team to work on transformative projects in a company shaping the future of food and beverages. Enjoy a collaborative culture, premium benefits, and the chance to influence business strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa. With PepsiCo's scale and sustainability focus, you'll build a premium career while contributing to positive impact. PepsiCo is committed to an inclusive workplace, fostering innovation and excellence.

Role FAQs

Q: What experience level is required?
A: 1–3 years post-qualification in relevant legal areas.

Q: Is admission as an attorney mandatory?
A: Admission or candidate attorney status in progress is required.

Q: What regions does this role cover?
A: Primarily South Africa, Botswana, and Sub-Saharan Africa territories.

Q: Are there opportunities for international exposure?
A: Yes, through global legal service projects and multinational teams.

Q: How does PepsiCo support professional development?
A: Via needs-based training, project leadership, and career progression frameworks.