AFC Group Holdings Limited (AFC) is a listed company on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX: AFC), headquartered in Auckland. We are a diversified group specialising in food research and development, manufacturing, marketing, and cross-border trade, with an established sales network across New Zealand, Australia, and China. AFC is one of the few New Zealand-listed companies delivering high-quality products to Chinese consumers through cross-border business channels.

As part of our continued international growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Legal to lead the Group’s legal function and support complex merger and acquisition activities, particularly in the China and United States markets. This is a senior executive role responsible for leading the company’s in-house legal and compliance function, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other strategic transactions.

The role provides high-level legal advice to the Board of Directors and executive management, ensures compliance with NZX listing rules and applicable laws, manages legal and regulatory risk, and leads all legal aspects of complex cross-border M&A transactions, particularly those involving China and the United States. This position requires advanced legal expertise, strong commercial judgment, and proven experience working across multiple legal systems and regulatory regimes.

Key Responsibilities

M&A Strategy & Execution

  • Lead and oversee all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, and strategic investments
  • Advise executive management and the Board on transaction structures, legal feasibility, and risk allocation
  • Support strategic growth initiatives through legally robust and commercially effective transaction frameworks

Due Diligence & Risk Assessment

  • Lead and manage comprehensive legal due diligence for domestic and cross-border M&A transactions
  • Identify, assess, and report on legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance risks, with particular focus on China- and US-related transactions
  • Prepare detailed due diligence reports and risk assessments for board-level decision-making

Transaction Documentation & Negotiation

  • Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex transaction documentation, including:
  • Share purchase and asset purchase agreements
  • Investment and subscription agreements
  • Shareholders’ agreements and joint venture arrangements
  • Ensure transaction documents accurately reflect commercial intent and protect the company’s legal and financial interests
  • Advise on and coordinate compliance with overseas regulatory requirements, particularly those applicable in China and the United States

Cross-Border Legal Management

  • Manage legal complexities arising from cross-border transactions, including foreign investment regulations, regulatory approvals, and enforcement risks
  • Coordinate and supervise external legal advisers in New Zealand, China, the USA, and other relevant jurisdictions
  • Ensure a consistent and compliant legal approach across multiple legal systems

Post-Merger Integration & Corporate Governance

  • Provide legal support for post-merger integration, including corporate restructures and governance alignment
  • Integrate acquired entities into the company’s governance, risk, and compliance frameworks
  • Advise on ongoing legal obligations following completion of transactions

Compliance, Risk & Ethics

  • Lead the company’s legal compliance and risk management frameworks
  • Oversee policies relating to anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, privacy, and data protection
  • Support internal investigations and sensitive legal or compliance matters

Litigation & External Counsel Oversight

  • Oversee disputes, litigation, and regulatory matters arising from M&A or broader business operations
  • Manage external legal advisers and control legal expenditure to ensure cost-effective outcomes

Key Requirements

  • At least a Master of Laws Degree AND
  • At least three years of relevant working experience in the corporate legal area
  • Proven experience handling cross-border transactions, ideally involving China and/or the United States is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of international commercial law, regulatory environments, and corporate governance.
  • Experience working with or advising listed companies is highly desirable.
  • Excellent commercial judgment, negotiation skills, and ability to operate at the Board level.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, international business environment.
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