At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development and operation of major energy storage projects in Australia.
- Company: Join BW ESS, a global leader in energy storage with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on renewable energy projects and shape the future of energy storage.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years in energy or infrastructure law.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 $ per year.
BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to develop, deliver and operate market-leading projects. The business is active in the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain and Sweden. It has more than 540MWh of operating Battery Energy Storage Systems, with approximately 12GWh under construction and a development pipeline of several gigawatts. Part of BW Group, BW ESS builds on decades of global infrastructure experience, takes a long-term view of projects and partnerships, and focuses on unlocking value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle.
Our culture rests on a few clear foundations: talent density over team size, flexible people over fixed structures, context over control, results over processes, and transparent, clear feedback. We move fast, give people real ownership early, and expect strong judgement and accountability in return.
The Role
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be a key legal partner to BW ESS’s Australian business, supporting the development, construction and operation of a growing portfolio of Battery Energy Storage System projects. This is a broad, commercially focused role spanning major project development, construction, transactions, financing, corporate governance and regulatory matters. You will take ownership of significant legal workstreams and provide practical advice that enables the business to move forward. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience across acquisitions, joint ventures, project financing, construction, revenue offtake and the ongoing operation of major energy infrastructure assets.
What You’ll Do
- Project development and delivery: Provide legal support across the full project lifecycle, from site origination, acquisition and feasibility through to final investment decision, construction, operations and asset management.
- Commercial agreements: Draft, review and negotiate land access, grid connection, BESS supply, EPC, long-term service, operations and maintenance, financing and revenue offtake agreements.
- Regulatory and approvals: Lead legal workstreams covering planning, environmental, permitting and grid matters, and support government approval processes including FIRB, foreign investment and critical infrastructure requirements.
- Transactions and financing: Support acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, development partnerships and project financing, including due diligence, transaction documents, negotiations and execution.
- Commercial risk management: Work as an integrated member of project teams, identifying legal, commercial and regulatory risks early and developing practical, proportionate solutions.
- Corporate governance and compliance: Support BW ESS’s Australian entities and project companies across governance, entity management, company secretarial matters, delegated authorities and compliance frameworks.
- Stakeholder and adviser management: Partner with senior internal stakeholders, counterparties and specialist external advisers to deliver matters efficiently and effectively.
- Legal team development: Improve templates, precedents and guidance materials, and contribute to cross-border initiatives, knowledge sharing and consistent legal practices across BW ESS.
What You’ll Bring
- Qualified and admitted solicitor in Australia.
- At least 7 years’ relevant post-qualification experience gained in a well-regarded law firm, an in-house legal role or a combination of both.
- Strong experience in renewable energy, energy storage, power, infrastructure, construction or a related sector.
- Experience supporting the development and delivery of major energy or infrastructure projects.
- Strong drafting and negotiation experience across complex project and commercial agreements.
- Experience with EPC, equipment supply, long-term service, grid connection or revenue offtake agreements.
- Exposure to M&A, joint ventures, development partnerships, project financing, corporate governance or operational contracts is advantageous.
- A commercial mindset and the ability to turn complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.
- Confidence taking ownership of substantial matters while recognising when escalation or specialist advice is required.
Why Join
You’ll work on some of the largest energy storage assets being built today, with visibility across the full asset lifecycle. The mandate is large and the scope for impact and progression is real. BW ESS is committed to building a high-performing, inclusive team and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Senior Legal Counsel in Melbourne employer: BW Group
BW Group offers a dynamic work environment that emphasizes talent density and flexible structures, allowing employees to take ownership of their roles early on. The company fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, encouraging strong judgement and results-driven performance. With a focus on the energy storage sector, BW Group provides opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly expanding industry.
