Lead Counsel Sustainability / ESG - Motion in Cheshire, Warrington

At ABB, we help industries decentralise, operate more efficiently, and reduce their environmental impact. As a global leader in motors, drives and solutions, ABB offers a platform for truly sustainable transformation. This role is a chance to partner with business, legal and sustainability functions in shaping how the company delivers net‑zero solutions. This position reports to the Head of Integrity, Regulatory Affairs & Data Privacy for the Motion Business Area and is part of a high‑performing team. The role is open globally with preferred locations in Warrington, UK and Sesto San Giovanni, Italy. The work model is hybrid.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and support the sustainability and ESG legal strategy for the Motion Business Area and its divisions, based upon multiple inputs, including the minimum requirements set by the Group.
• Design and maintain a governance framework within the Motion Business Area to interpret and implement Sustainability and ESG regulatory requirements, defining clear processes and cross‑functional responsibilities across L&I, Sustainability, GRPA, Finance, SCM, HR etc.
• Execute leadership in monitoring and reporting changes in law, regulation, guidance, legal risk, market developments and trends relating to Sustainability/ESG relevant to ABB Motion.
• Provide expert day‑to‑day legal advice and guidance on Sustainability regulations and compliance across the Business Area.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure the relevant Sustainability regulatory requirements are translated into applicable processes and contracts.
• Lead the development of contract standards, templates and guidelines in collaboration with the Division General Counsels, Corporate Centre of Expertise and other legal teams.
• Ensure all contract templates comply with legal standards and internal policies and procedures.
• Review, draft and support negotiation of contracts in partnership with divisions and legal counsels.
• Design training materials and curricula related to Sustainability regulations; support divisions in delivering training and guidance to the business.
• Deliver timely legal support in critical situations, including geopolitical events with potential business impact.
• Monitor regulatory trends and act as a recognised expert on sustainability law and compliance.
• Promote best practice sharing, collaborate cross‑Business Area and ensure harmonised processes across the Motion Business Area.
• Support investigations of potential ESG breaches or incidents, including ABB’s Supplier Code of Conduct, and advise on any responses.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in law with substantial experience and interest in sustainability related topics.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience, ideally in a global, cross‑functional environment – either in‑house or at a reputable law firm.
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills, grounded in collaboration, transparency, and legal knowledge.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills – both written and verbal – with the ability to navigate complex, high‑pressure situations and balance competing interests.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate contracts at a global level.
• Fluent in English, with excellent presentation and networking capabilities.
• Self‑driven and able to work independently.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and commitment to quality.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Legal. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit careers.abb to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.