AAVA Brands Limited, a new-generation company of Chanrai Summit Group (Fareast Mercantile Co. Limited), has been serving Nigeria since 1890. The company connects world-class brands with Nigerian consumers and operates under the umbrella of DP World.
AAVA Brands is focused on supply chain management through the importation, manufacture and distribution of branded food, beverages and fast-moving consumer goods for leading multinational companies. Its portfolio spans approximately 3,500 SKUs and is supported by professional teams, robust infrastructure and established delivery systems.
Job Title: Legal Manager – Warehouses & Corporate Leases
Company: AAVA Brands Limited
Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience: Minimum of 3 years post-call experience
Qualification: LL.B and B.L
Job Overview
AAVA Brands Limited is seeking a qualified, corporate-minded Lawyer to serve as Legal Manager. The successful candidate will take ownership of the company’s commercial property portfolio, with particular responsibility for warehouses and logistics facilities rented from third-party landlords.
The role will focus on reducing legal and operational risks associated with the company’s leasehold portfolio, managing landlord-tenant negotiations and ensuring rented properties legally and structurally support the company’s supply chain operations in compliance with Nigerian property laws.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including supplier agreements, leases and deeds of sublease.
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial lease agreements and deeds of sublease, ensuring provisions relating to rent reviews, service charges and long-term tenancies protect the company’s interests.
- Serve as the primary liaison with third-party landlords, facility managers and estate agents.
- Resolve issues relating to structural repairs, common-area maintenance and utility allocations.
- Ensure leased warehouses comply with applicable state urban planning regulations, including LASBCA guidelines in Lagos, as well as relevant environmental standards.
- Provide pragmatic legal advice to business units on commercial, corporate and regulatory matters.
- Prepare clear and concise legal reports and summaries for senior management and other stakeholders.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency of the Legal Department.
- Monitor compliance with applicable laws and regulations and advise on regulatory changes and their potential business impact.
- Conduct legal risk assessments and provide concise recommendations and mitigation strategies to senior stakeholders.
- Manage statutory notices, lease renewals and tenancy exits in accordance with applicable local laws, including the Tenancy Law of Lagos State where applicable.
- Validate annual rent, caution fees and service charges.
- Work with the Finance team to ensure the correct processing of Withholding Tax (WHT) deductions and statutory stamp duties on leases.
- Mitigate legal risks and represent the company’s corporate interests in preliminary landlord dispute resolution, with the aim of avoiding protracted litigation where possible.
- Develop, maintain and implement legal policies, templates and standard clauses to reduce risk and improve consistency.
Key Performance Indicators
- Zero operational disruptions or forced evictions resulting from delayed lease renewals or poorly managed notice periods.
- 100% compliance across leased warehouses regarding applicable statutory fire, environmental and building safety permits.
- Measurable reductions in service charges and rent reviews through strategic negotiation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) from an accredited university.
- Barrister-at-Law (B.L) certificate from the Nigerian Law School.
- Must be duly called to the Nigerian Bar and in good standing with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
- Minimum of 3 years of active post-call experience, particularly in commercial real estate transactions, corporate tenancy management or property law in Nigeria.
- Strong knowledge of Nigerian land law procedures, including Governor’s Consent requirements and registration procedures where applicable.
- Excellent dispute resolution, communication and contract drafting skills.
- Strong analytical and drafting abilities with excellent attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to provide business-focused legal advice.
- Effective stakeholder management and communication skills at all levels.
- Ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and manage multiple matters concurrently.
- High ethical standards and commitment to professional conduct and confidentiality.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approach to legal risk management.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should Click here to apply online.
Application Closing Date: 10th October 2026.