Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel Kidlington Full-time Perm 40 hours per week THE POWER OF NOW   Fortescue Zero’s mission is to be the world leader in zero emission power systems. We are developing and manufacturing the technologies needed to decarbonise our planet. We are expanding across the geographies of UK, US and Australia and becoming a global company. As part of Fortescue, our vision is to be the number one integrated green technology, energy, and metals company.    An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our Legal team within our rapidly expanding and exciting work environment.  The purpose of this role is to provide high quality, proactive, pragmatic and commercial legal advice to Fortescue Zero, with a focus on key strategic customer contracts in the automotive, heavy industry and marine sectors. The role would include: Supporting other strategic contracts as needed (see Operational Duties Section). Anticipating, mitigating and managing legal risk across the wider Fortescue Zero business; Supporting all day-to-day legal matters (contracts, disputes, IP, regulatory issues etc…) as required. Working closely with members of the commercial, technical, operational and senior leadership team of Fortescue Zero Acting as a key support to the General Counsel Fortescue Zero and taking responsibility for key initiatives to develop the legal function as Fortescue Zero evolves and matures. There will be significant interaction with colleagues in the wider Fortescue legal team in Australia and rest of world. The role is highly strategic and forms part of a small but high impact team working in a fast paced and environment where change is constant.   What you will do Day-to-day legal team business partner for the team responsible for delivering on strategic customer contracts. Providing pro-active, strategic advice to protect and enable Fortescue Zero to achieve its KPIs which would include accountability for certain key customer, supplier and other third-party contracts globally –including multi-year agreements with suppliers and customers, collaboration agreements, development agreements, JV agreements, licence agreements, non-disclosure agreements etc… Line manager responsibility for 1 legal adviser. Responsible for working with the key stakeholders in the commercial and procurement teams to build out relevant template agreements as contracting models evolve. Working strategically with the business units to think through their contracting models, in particular supporting with commercial business cases related to warranty, after-sales and support services. Supporting ad hoc project-based work, both independently and in collaboration with other members of the Legal Team both within Fortescue Zero but also the wider Fortescue Group. Protecting and advising on Fortescue Zero’s registered and unregistered IP portfolio in conjunction with other experts within the Fortescue Group, including the Fortescue Zero IP Manager. Supporting the Fortescue Zero Head of E&C in identifying, preparing and updating appropriate compliance programmes and policies and rolling out such programmes and policies (including delivering appropriate training). Managing litigation and other disputes related to Fortescue Zero. Working closely with external counsel, building value in those relationships to ensure that Fortescue Zero’s use of external counsel is as efficient as possible. Building and maintaining positive relationships with all Group businesses and support functions   About you Comprehensive PQE experience ideally with private practice training and subsequent time spent in-house. Technically very strong with excellent attention to detail but equally capable of taking commercial and pragmatic judgement calls when needed. Ability to work autonomously and instill confidence with senior stakeholders. Significant experience and capability with complex and high value commercial contracts ideally with some background experience in the Heavy Industry / Automotive / Aerospace / Marine sector(s). Confident to advise and negotiate on intellectual property provisions of complex commercial contracts, working in conjunction with the other lawyers and IP managers in the Group.  Ability to find creative solutions to legal and commercial issues within appropriate legal and risk frameworks. Very organised with ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proactive, trouble shooter, details orientated but with an ability to see the “bigger picture” with outstanding influencing and interpersonal skills.  Comfortable with change and uncertainty and unphased when tasked with taking on stretch targets or different challenges at short notice. Sound judgement. Natural leadership qualities   What is in it for you? Fortescue Zero bonus scheme Aviva Pension Group Life Assurance Group Income Protection Electric Car Scheme Health Cash Plan Employee Assistance Programme Private Medical Insurance 26 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 days per year Childcare Benefits Free on-site 24/7 gym access at HQ and discounted national memberships   Application Deadline:   The closing date for application is 24th February 2025.   Not near-zero Not net-zero.  We areFortescue Zero. Additional Information   You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. At Fortescue Zero we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. Fortescue Zero is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability, we are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments. You are welcome to apply no matter your age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.   Please note, if you are applying for a role which involves having access to personal data, you will be subject to a background check. Where checks are unsatisfactory or incomplete and/or a failure to reveal information relating to convictions that you are required to identify as part of the background checks, could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. REF-(Apply online only)