Commercial Counsel in Rochester

Grain LNG, Isle of Grain, Rochester, Kent, ME3 0AB United Kingdom

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Commercial Counsel to support our Commercial and Procurement teams.

This role will provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice across a broad range of procurement, supplier management, contracting, and commercial matters.

Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you will help facilitate strategic commercial objectives while ensuring that legal, regulatory, and commercial risks are appropriately managed.

This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys partnering with the business, influencing commercial outcomes, and operating as a trusted advisor within a dynamic environment.

• Key Accountabilities
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a wide range of complex customer agreements, including:
• LNG storage and throughput agreements;
• Terminal use agreements;
• Ship berthing and unloading arrangements; and
• Capacity, balancing, and ancillary services agreements.
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a wide range of supplier agreements, including:
• EPC, O&M, and long-term maintenance contracts;
• Framework agreements;
• Professional services agreements;
• Consultancy agreements;
• Technology and software contracts;
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs); and
• Outsourcing and managed service arrangements
• Provide legal support throughout the procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, tendering, supplier selection and contract award activities.
• Support the management of supplier relationships, contract variations, claims, disputes and performance issues.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving contract templates, guidance notes, and negotiation playbooks tailored to LNG operations.
• Support the development and implementation of relevant legal strategies to minimize risks and maximize opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal governance requirements, including competition law, data protection, anti-bribery and corruption, modern slavery and ESG obligations.
• Deliver legal training and guidance to commercial and procurement stakeholders.
• Provide company secretarial, governance and contract management support, including maintaining contract registers, monitoring key obligations and renewals, supporting Board and Committee processes, and maintaining statutory records and corporate documentation.
• Required Knowledge / Experience
• A UK qualified solicitor, barrister or legal counsel with at least 4 years’ relevant post-qualification experience
• Broad range of commercial contracts experience in particular experience drafting and negotiating complex high value multi-year commercial contracts.
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Able to work independently, prioritise competing demands and manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Experience supporting procurement and supply chain functions.
• Background in infrastructure, energy, utilities, engineering, technology or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with major project contracts and strategic supplier arrangements.
• Experience of governance, delegated authority and commercial approval processes.
• Previous experience supporting a private equity-backed business or an organisation with strategic investor oversight.
• Experience working with corporate debt financing arrangements and lender frameworks.
• Capability Requirements
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercially astute with the ability to balance risk management and business objectives.
• A strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Collaborative, pragmatic and solutions-focused in approach.
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