Description Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world. 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, where significant experience, autonomy and professional judgement are required including, complex contracting and contract interpretation, litigation and disputes, joint ventures, employment, compliance, real estate, IP / innovation and strategic transactions. The role offers hybrid working from either our Aberdeen or Reading offices. LI-Hybrid The Role The role is responsible for leading the delivery of precise, commercial, timely and cost-effective legal counsel advice on complex, material and high ‑ risk matters, including those with potential or actual legal or reputational implications. You will support the relevant geographic regions in achieving their short ‑ and long ‑ term strategic priorities through effective legal risk management, sound judgement and cost discipline, and contributes actively to the leadership and development of the Eastern Hemisphere Legal team. Our Clients and Projects Designing the future. Transforming the world. Wood delivers solutions across more than 60 countries with local offices covering all major energy and materials hubs globally. For more than 160 years, we have partnered with clients to deliver engineering, advisory and operational solutions to some of the world’s most complex and critical challenges in energy and materials. What we can offer Meaningful and interesting projects we support green hydrogen and fuel switching, as well as supporting local clients with energy transition Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working arrangements Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion ; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market Flexible benefits package ; inclusive of 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), generous contributory pension scheme, private medical cover, 4x base salary life insurance; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests Global connections ; join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession Responsibilities Lead the effective, timely and cost ‑ efficient delivery of legal advice, governance and compliance across assigned regions or matters, acting as the legal adviser on complex issues Manage complex disputes and litigation, including strategy development, instruction and supervision of external counsel, budget control and resolution planning Ensure the effective, timely and cost-effective delivery of legal counsel, support, governance and compliance in the relevant geographic regions, including project management of external legal service provider engagement and related budgets Perform complex legal analysis and problem solving, research, counsel and guidance, including effective communication of same Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially grounded advice to senior stakeholders, enabling informed decision ‑ making in ambiguous or high ‑ pressure situations Maintain and input into matter and cost management databases Develop understanding of legal risks and cost, including anticipating potential risk and developing risk mitigation strategies Provide oversight of functional legal risk and management, proactively identifying and effectively managing legal risk and compliance Successfully communicate and deliver strategic legal and compliance initiatives as and when required Project management of strategic litigation / disputes Manage current and new vendor relationships, with a focus on continuous improvement Proactively share knowledge and experience with other members of the legal team to assist in overall development and progression of the team Support the creation of a cohesive team and organisational culture based on values and excellence in delivery which fosters innovation and collaboration, continuous improvement and change Capture lessons learned and contributes to progressive learning programmes within the legal team and the relevant area of responsibility Consistently exhibit Wood’s behaviours and leads by personal example, encouraging all employees to conduct their activities in accordance with all applicable laws and Wood’s standards and policies Provides support to other BUs or Group as required Qualifications What makes you remarkable? At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges. Expected: Education and qualification as a lawyer, solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualification 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) Time management, use of IT systems and tools Corporate governance and decision making Changing regulatory environment Current and future industry trends Complex legal analysis and problem solving Implementing effective legal training regime Multiple legal practice areas to support the relevant service bundle(s), for example, commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, compliance and IP Personal Attributes: Consistently model and lead on Wood’s values, working with integrity, respecting and valuing others and our communities Energy and compassion Balance of humility and self confidence Good interpersonal skills, ability to communicate well at all levels of the organization and with staff at remote locations Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation Anticipates the environment, is forward thinking and able to see the ‘big picture’ Creative in the achievement of stretching objectives; does not accept failure easily Flexibility to adapt quickly to new challenges and environments English language fluency Demonstrated 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, driving a global mind-set Foster and contribute towards 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