Legal Counsel

Role Profile:

LEGAL COUNSEL
Department:

LEGAL
Reports to:

LEGAL MANAGER
Location:

STANLOW
Grade:

JG3

Purpose of the Role:
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and dynamic lawyer to join Essar’s growing legal team as Legal Counsel - Commercial. Using your commercial contract law expertise, drafting and negotiating skills, you will advise the business on a wide variety of commercial contract matters ranging from the negotiation of contracts for the sale of refined petrochemical products by road, pipeline and vessel, to joint venture agreements. You will assist the business by providing sound and astute advice relating to contract interpretation and management issues. Our commercial lawyers also support the business in a range of other topics such as compliance, regulatory, employment and governance matters – with the assistance of the leading law firms where necessary.
There will be opportunities to get involved in a number of interesting projects as Stanlow Refinery transforms into a hub for low-carbon, sustainable fuels for the future. This is a unique and interesting opportunity that will provide the successful candidate with scope for personal development and growth in a complex and changing business.

Key Performance Indicators:
Exercising sound commercial judgement when required
Making and fostering connections with others in the business
Reliably delivering tasks on time to a good standard

Key Interfaces:
The legal team interfaces with all departments within the business
External legal advisors from time to time
Commercial counterparties

Primary Accountabilities
The role will require you to:

work with our internal business units to conclude key contracts with our customers and suppliers
assist with the management of our existing contracts, joint ventures etc. including interpretation issues, variations and conflict resolution
work with our project teams to close out strategically important contracts for transformational projects within the refinery
be flexible and pick up other commercial, finance, employment, governance or regulatory legal issues and manage them to resolution
prepare advice notes and be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with stakeholders at all levels within our organization
instruct and manage external legal counsel as required
be aware of and brief the business on relevant legislative changes
manage or participate in legal projects, to improve the delivery of advice, compliance and legal services to the business
manage multiple internal stakeholders and conflicting demands effectively
be proficient with MS Office and related business software

Leadership Accountabilities
The individual will be expected to organise and manage third parties from time to time (for example obtaining timely advice from third party law firms).

The individual will be expected to supervise and coach junior members of the team as part of any collaboration on any matters.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Qualifications
At least 3+ years post qualification experience as a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
Experience working in-house or within a leading law firm
Degree level education 2:1 standard or equivalent
Strong academic record
Advanced knowledge of English contract law

Experience
Excellent commercial contract law experience.
It would be an advantage to have experience of any of the following: downstream fuel industry, crude and finished products sale and purchase agreements, construction agreements, debt and trade finance agreements, ISDAs, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution processes, but none are essential as our friendly and collegiate team will work alongside you in your development.

Skills and Attributes
Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; who could lead discussions suitably and draft notes and memos clearly bring out issues and potential solutions
Expert legal drafting skills
Be able to lead negotiations with multiple parties in an effective and assertive manner
A good eye for detail
Strong organization and time management abilities
Proven ability to prioritize and balance conflicting demands.
Understands that others may have differing view and manages conflicts constructively. Maintains relationships even though difficult conversations.
Commercial acumen, drive, energy and ownership are essential qualities for this role.
You should be a solid, grounded, friendly and mature individual, who is skilled at communicating and operating effectively in a dynamic business environment.
Excellent problem solving, creative thinking and analytical skills
Excellent team player
Highly competent office IT skills