Job Overview
Wood has an excellent opportunity for Senior Legal Counsel to join us in September on a 12‑month contract. The role operates across a broad spectrum of legal matters on a multi‑jurisdictional basis, requiring significant experience, autonomy and professional judgement. Responsibilities include complex contracting and contract interpretation, litigation and disputes, joint ventures, employment, compliance, real estate, IP/innovation and strategic transactions.
Working Arrangement
Hybrid working from either our Aberdeen or Reading offices.
Responsibilities
* Lead the effective, timely and cost‑efficient delivery of legal advice, governance and compliance across assigned regions or matters.
* Manage complex disputes and litigation, including strategy development, instruction and supervision of external counsel, budget control and resolution planning.
* Project manage external legal service provider engagement and related budgets.
* Perform complex legal analysis and problem solving, research, counsel and guidance, and communicate findings effectively.
* Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially grounded advice to senior stakeholders.
* Maintain and input into matter and cost management databases.
* Develop understanding of legal risks and cost, anticipate potential risk and develop mitigation strategies.
* Oversee functional legal risk and compliance, proactively identifying and managing risks.
* Communicate and deliver strategic legal and compliance initiatives as required.
* Manage current and new vendor relationships with a focus on continuous improvement.
* Share knowledge and experience with the legal team to support overall development.
* Support the creation of a cohesive team and organisational culture based on values and excellence in delivery.
* Capture lessons learned and contribute to progressive learning programmes within the legal team.
* Demonstrate Wood’s behaviours and lead by personal example, encouraging compliance with all applicable laws and Wood’s standards and policies.
* Provide support to other Business Units or Group as required.
Qualifications
* Education and qualification as a lawyer, solicitor, barrister or equivalent.
* Valid/current law license.
* Post‑qualified experience in an in‑house or private practice environment.
* Strong commercial acumen and highly developed legal and analytical skills (e.g., negotiation, drafting, relevant legal knowledge).
* Excellent time management and proficiency with IT systems and tools.
* Understanding of corporate governance and decision‑making.
* Awareness of a changing regulatory environment and current/future industry trends.
* Experience in complex legal analysis and problem solving.
* Experience implementing effective legal training regimes.
* Experience across multiple legal practice areas to support relevant service bundles (e.g., commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, compliance, IP).
Personal Attributes
* Consistently model and lead on Wood’s values, working with integrity, and respecting others and our communities.
* Energy and compassion with a balance of humility and self‑confidence.
* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate well at all levels of the organisation and with staff at remote locations.
* Strong problem‑solving and creative skills, with sound judgment and decision‑making based on accurate and timely analyses.
* High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results orientation.
* Forward‑thinking, able to see the big picture and anticipate future environments.
* Creative in achieving stretching objectives, resilient to failure.
* Flexibility to adapt quickly to new challenges and environments.
* English language fluency.
* Commitment to continuous learning and development.
Ability To
* Consistently deliver to stakeholders.
* Push the boundaries to create smarter, more sustainable solutions.
* Generate trust and credibility with audiences through continuous, open and consistent communication.
* Champion and drive innovation and change initiatives, focused on improving quality and effectiveness.
* Work effectively across different cultures, fostering a global mindset.
* Contribute to a customer‑focused climate that delivers on expectations and strengthens relationships.
* Disseminate complex legal issues in a clear, concise and pragmatic manner.
* Meet deadlines and provide professional level of service at all times.
Benefits
* Meaningful projects supporting green hydrogen and energy transition.
* Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
* Commitment to diversity and inclusion across the business.
* Competitive salary with regular reviews.
* Flexible benefits package: 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), contributory pension, private medical cover, four‑times‑base‑salary life insurance.
* Commitment to ongoing professional development with tailored plans.
* Global connections to industry experts worldwide.
About Us
Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 45 countries, employing around 25,000 people.
Diversity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
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