Role Profile: LEGAL COUNSELDepartment: LEGALReports to: LEGAL MANAGERLocation: Ellesmere Port, England, United KingdomPurpose of the Role:We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and dynamic lawyer to join company'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.Key Performance Indicators:Exercising sound commercial judgement when requiredMaking and fostering connections with others in the businessReliably delivering tasks on time to a good standardKey Interfaces:The legal team interfaces with all departments within the businessExternal legal advisors from time to timeCommercial counterpartiesPrimary AccountabilitiesThe role will require you to:work with our internal business units to conclude key contracts with our customers and suppliersassist with the management of our existing contracts, joint ventures etc. including interpretation issues, variations and conflict resolutionwork with our project teams to close out strategically important contracts for transformational projects within the refinerybe flexible and pick up other commercial, finance, employment, governance or regulatory legal issues and manage them to resolutionprepare advice notes and be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with stakeholders at all levels within our organizationinstruct and manage external legal counsel as requiredbe aware of and brief the business on relevant legislative changesmanage or participate in legal projects, to improve the delivery of advice, compliance and legal services to the businessmanage multiple internal stakeholders and conflicting demands effectivelybe proficient with MS Office and related business softwareLeadership AccountabilitiesThe 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 ExperienceQualificationsAt least 3+ years post qualification experience as a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.Experience working in-house or within a leading law firmDegree level education 2:1 standard or equivalentStrong academic recordAdvanced knowledge of English contract lawExperienceExcellent 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 AttributesStrong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; who could lead discussions suitably and draft notes and memos clearly bring out issues and potential solutionsExpert legal drafting skillsBe able to lead negotiations with multiple parties in an effective and assertive mannerA good eye for detailStrong organization and time management abilitiesProven 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 skillsExcellent team playerHighly competent office IT skills