OCU Group is a global infrastructure and energy services business with more than 5,000 people delivering projects that power communities and support the energy transition.
Our Australian and New Zealand operations are growing rapidly, bringing together established businesses including All Energy Contracting (AEC), BAM BAM, Pilecom and Volta under one group. Together, we deliver complex projects across solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), high voltage connections, substations and associated civil, electrical and mechanical works.
With 500 people locally, a strong pipeline of energy and infrastructure projects and plans to double our workforce, we are seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to strengthen our legal and commercial capability as we grow.
About the opportunity
Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel leads OCU’s contracting, claims and disputes function across ANZ. The role negotiates key client contracts, manages claims and disputes through to resolution, and safeguards OCU’s commercial position across a diverse and growing project portfolio.
This is a senior role with real influence over how the business contracts and manages risk. It leads and develops a team of Legal Counsel and Contract Administrators, directs external law firms, barristers and experts, and works closely with bid and project teams and senior leaders across the business. It also drives consistent, commercially sound contracting practice across the group through templates, precedents, playbooks and targeted training.
The role suits an experienced construction lawyer who combines technical depth with sound commercial judgement, and who wants to shape the legal function of a business in a period of significant growth.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the review, drafting and negotiation of client contracts, subcontracts and supply agreements, preparing contract risk profiles and advising the General Counsel and bid teams on key risks, departures and mitigations.
- Manage claims, disputes and litigation from early notification through to resolution, including variations, extension of time claims, payment disputes and security calls, ensuring all notices and responses protect OCU’s contractual entitlements and meet time bars.
- Lead OCU’s position across all forms of dispute resolution, including negotiation, expert determination, adjudication, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings, engaging and managing external law firms, barristers and experts.
- Lead, coach and develop Legal Counsel and Contract Administrators, ensuring advice is accurate, timely and consistent.
- Guide and train project teams on contract administration, contract risk and dispute avoidance throughout delivery, and develop the templates, precedents and playbooks that drive consistent contracting across the business.
- Identify and report significant legal and contractual risks, matters and trends to the General Counsel, and support broader legal matters as required.
About you
- Bachelor of Laws or equivalent legal qualification.
- Admission to practise in Australia, with a current practising certificate.
- A minimum of eight years’ post-admission experience.
- Significant experience drafting, negotiating and administering contracts in the engineering and construction industry, including Australian Standard and other industry standard forms.
- Demonstrated experience managing construction claims and disputes, including adjudication, arbitration and litigation.
- Experience leading or supervising legal or contract administration professionals.
- Experience in utilities, renewable energy or infrastructure projects will be highly regarded.
You will also bring outstanding drafting, negotiation and communication skills, strong analytical ability and the commercial acumen to balance legal risk against project and business objectives. You build trusted relationships with project teams, senior leaders, clients and external advisers, and you can manage multiple complex matters under time pressure without compromising accuracy.
- Play a key role in a business that’s scaling quickly, with a strong pipeline of energy transition and infrastructure projects.
- Lead a team and shape how contracting is done across a growing group of businesses, with real influence over legal strategy and risk.
- Work on complex, high-value projects at the centre of Australia’s energy transition.
- Be part of a global group of more than 5,000 people, with the backing and scale to support your career.
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Senior Legal Counsel in Brisbane employer: OCU Group
OCU Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for IT Service Desk Analysts to thrive. Located in Brisbane, employees benefit from engaging in significant technology projects while contributing to Australia's renewable energy transition, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join a supportive team where your contributions are valued, and be part of a global network dedicated to powering communities.
