Job Description

Principal Legal Counsel

About the Role

Overview

• Opportunity with a leading energy organisation
• Location: Flexible, with hybrid working options
• Engage in significant legal and commercial decision-making processes

We are looking for a Principal Legal Counsel to provide expert legal guidance on a diverse range of complex matters. In this pivotal role, you will work closely with various teams to address legal challenges, mitigate risks, and contribute to the company's operational and commercial success.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, offering pragmatic legal solutions and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. This is your chance to influence key outcomes within a dynamic and growing energy-focused organisation.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a key legal advisor across a spectrum of business operations and strategic initiatives.
• Provide counsel on joint ventures, regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and other critical agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts to support daily and strategic activities.
• Manage legal aspects of acquisitions, divestments, and partnerships.
• Oversee dispute resolution processes and collaborate with external legal advisors when necessary.
• Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes, providing timely guidance to stakeholders.
• Play an integral role in identifying legal risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Foster robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and partners.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, promoting a high-performing and collaborative legal culture.

Experience and Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with:

• Extensive experience in corporate/commercial legal practice, ideally in the energy, infrastructure, or resources sectors.
• Strong expertise in negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements.
• A proven track record of offering clear, practical, and solutions-oriented legal advice under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with regulatory, environmental, and commercial frameworks applicable to energy markets.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound commercial judgment and the ability to align legal strategies with broader business objectives.
• A valid and current legal practicing certificate.

What to Expect

Your daily activities will include:

• Collaborating with business teams to address current legal matters and provide forward-thinking advice.
• Drafting and negotiating agreements that underpin commercial operations.
• Monitoring regulatory changes, ensuring the organisation’s compliance posture remains strong.
• Leading discussions with external providers, regulators, or partners on legal and compliance issues.
• Building rapport with multidisciplinary teams, assisting them in navigating legal complexities.
• Taking ownership of strategic projects or transactions from a legal perspective.
• Coaching or mentoring team members to ensure continued professional development and excellence.

Why Join Us?

We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace, along with benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life, including:

• Flexible working arrangements to cater to individual needs.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives such as paid volunteering days and wellbeing leave.
• Competitive parental leave policies and family-focused benefits.
• Corporate discounts on health insurance.
• Engaging social activities and opportunities to contribute through workplace giving programs.