Geo-Services Corporate & Compliance Legal Counsel

Acteon, a company specialising in marine energy and infrastructure services, provides unique offerings in survey, engineering, foundations, moorings, and decommissioning. By harnessing advanced technology and industry expertise, Acteon delivers innovative and cost-effective strategies to its customers and the offshore energy sector. Acteon’s capability extends from engineering the seabed to delivering sustainable energy systems on the surface, all with a commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.

The Geo-Services Business Line works globally and specialises in marine surveys, site characterization, and digital solutions to optimize the design and installation of marine structures for the offshore wind, oil & gas and near shore sectors.

Geo-Services are seeking a common-law qualified solicitor for the role of Corporate & Compliance In-House Legal Counsel. The role will be part of the Geo-Services Legal & Contracts Team and will report to the Head of Legal – Geo-Services.

The ideal candidate will hold a valid practising certificate in England & Wales, Scotland or other common law jurisdiction. The successful candidate will be a commercially astute, strategically minded and highly motivated individual who will be responsible for managing a portfolio of international legal entities and joint ventures (including company secretarial matters), providing strategic and commercially focused corporate legal advice to the Geo-Services Business Line. The successful candidate will support the Acteon Group Company Secretary and Corporate Team to realise Acteon Group corporate ambitions.

In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the Business Line legal entities adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and internal policies and provide guidance on regulatory requirements whilst supporting the Business Line and the Acteon Group Compliance Team to foster a culture of integrity and accountability in line with the I-CARE principles.

This role requires a solicitor who can balance corporate legal risk with commercial objectives, act with integrity, uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and compliance and maintain independence in line with their applicable Law Society or Regulatory Body’s code of conduct or guidelines.

Experience working in an international group either at group or holding company level and cross-jurisdictional legal experience is essential (equivalent law firm experience will be considered). Experience in the offshore renewable energy construction sector and/or offshore oil and gas sector is preferred but not essential.

Location: Aberdeen or Edinburgh, Scotland (hybrid working).

• Legal Advice: providing accurate, relevant and timely legal advice on a range of corporate and compliance legal and regulatory topics, always considering the commercial impact.
• Drafting: drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of legal documents including financial security documents.
• Legal Entity Oversight: day to day management of the Business Line legal entities and other partnerships including the maintenance of statutory records and documentation, filings, organising Board and Shareholder meetings and ensuring adherence to corporate policies and procedures and obtaining corporate approvals in accordance with the Group Delegation of Authority. Working with legal entity management systems.
• Internal Stakeholders: dealing with corporate stakeholders and ensuring compliance with internal Acteon Group and external corporate governance and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: working alongside tax, tender and other functions to identify, avoid, manage or mitigate potential contractual and commercial risks from a corporate legal perspective.
• Regulatory Compliance: monitoring and advising on compliance with applicable laws, including UK Companies Act, anti-bribery, sanctions, and data protection regulations.
• Ethics: acting as a champion for ethical values within the organisation, positively influencing ethical culture.
• Pragmatic Advice: providing sensible “real world” legal advice on corporate and compliance issues affecting the Business Line.
• Communication: communicating clearly with all internal and external (legal and non-legal) stakeholders.
• Training & Awareness: providing training on corporate and compliance legal matters and promoting corporate legal and compliance general awareness within the Business Line.
• CPD: maintaining personal CPD requirements.
• Travel: occasional business travel may be required.
• Professional Obligations: ensuring legal advice is provided independently while identifying the client appropriately in line with applicable guidance.
• Third Parties: communicating with and managing certain third-parties, such as external counsel, experts and/or auditors (including providing feedback on legal panel performance).

Desirable Attributes

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team Player: Someone who thrives working as part of a team and enjoys working collaboratively.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide practical, effective solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Ethical Judgment: High ethical standard, the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and a commitment to upholding professional standards and the rule of law.
• Independence: Strong integrity and independence of mind, with the ability to deliver difficult messages clearly and sensitively.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial acumen, with a solution-oriented approach to legal advice.
• Project Management: Proficiency in managing multiple matters simultaneously, ensuring timely and efficient completion.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle a diverse range of legal matters in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with legal research tools, document management systems, and other relevant technology. Interest in AI use to improve in-house legal support desirable.

This role is likely to suit a solicitor with approximately 5+ years’ post-qualification experience (or equivalent). However, all candidates with relevant skills and experience will be considered.

Required Skills / Experience

• Qualified solicitor in Scotland, England and Wales or other common law jurisdiction.
• Corporate law, international entity management including day to day company secretarial support and compliance experience gained in-house or in private practice.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cross-jurisdictional legal experience.