Head of Legal - Renewable Energy
Greenfields role
Local buildout of one of the worlds largest renewable developers
This is a rare opportunity to join a major global renewable energy company at a key stage in the businesses growth in Australia. Our client is well funded, has a proven track record and is involved in every type of Renewable development project.
Our Client
Our Client is one of the worlds largest energy producers globally in the top 10 for hydroelectricity and renewable energy operators:
• 2021 revenue >AUD$100bn
• 150,000 employees
• 500 TWh annual generation (The entire Australian NEM market is only 32 TWh per annum)
Renewables business
Our client wholly owns a Renewable energy subsidiary, that Develops-Finances-Builds-Owns-Operates renewable energy projects. They have a global target to achieve 60 GW of wind/ solar/ hydro by 2030, currently they have 45 GW operational across Offshore and onshore wind, Solar and Hydro. They also own a Hydrogen development company which has two operational pilot plants with many more planned.
Our Client in Australia
Our client has been in Australia for a few years now, locally they have
• Progressing utility scale (>250 MW) grid connected renewable energy projects
• Onshore wind: Late stage project, and three early- mid stage projects in development
• Solar PV: Four development projects, the largest is 500 MW
• Hydro: Undertaking feasibility studies, supporting operational assets, supporting new projects.
• Offshore wind: Progressing opportunities.
• Microgrid: supporting projects in the Asia-Pacific region, typically not grid connected and in remote locations eg Indonesia, Pacific islands
Our client has an exceptional in house technical capability that they use to deliver large renewable projects globally, they are currently developing and building globally significant projects in the Middle East, at are at the forefront of offshore wind development in Europe, Asia and the USA.
The Role
This role is newly created to support the growing Australian business. Currently the business is supported using leading Australian law firms and the global in house legal team. The intention is for this role to be the primary point of contact for all legal matters for the Australian business with support from the global legal team and other Australian law firms. The in-house counsel will be employed locally reporting to the CEO Renewables Australia and he/she will have a functional link with the Head of International Legal Affairs. He/she shall work closely with the legal counsels based in HQ. The role is based in Sydney.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities, tasks and duties listed below in order of importance:
Drafting and negotiation of industrial contracts for wind, photovoltaic, hybrid projects in Australia including: NDA, binding or non-binding offers, EPC, O&M, Turbine supply agreements, modules supply agreements, power purchase agreements, transmission connection agreements
Monitoring all legal, regulatory, statutory and corporate questions related to the Renewables business and presence in Australia.
A detailed updated knowledge on the Australian renewable energy regulations and policies applicable or to be anticipated
M&A transactions, be able to draft/negotiate Share purchase agreements, partnerships and joint venture agreements.
Provide overall legal support on bids and tenders processes
Actively assist the local business team in securing permits, land tenure, government approvals, local authorizations and administrative acts as well as ensure that due and lawful process is followed (including when the process is performed by third party, developers, consultants
Managing all corporate and administrative formalities and procedures needed in Australia, except on tax matters
Provide training and guidance to the dedicated subsidiary’s local business team
Liaise with Legal Department at HQ and ensure efficient reporting to the Legal Department
Required Qualifications and Experience
Experience : 7-10 years’ experience as an Australian qualified lawyer at a well-recognized firm with strong renewable energy exposure or an in-house team performing a similar role;
Education : Degree or equivalent in law, additional business skills in commerce or finance will be highly regarded
Qualities sought :
Excellent drafting and negotiation abilities, analytic skills, strong commercial sense and flexible hands-on approach
Acquainted with international legal practices and cross-border transactions
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to take leadership and have a commercial and problem-solving mindset
Keen and able to work collaboratively and autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multinational teams
Strong competency with all Microsoft Office applications
Effective communicator with a wide range of stakeholders
Commitment to ethical behaviour and decision making
Organizational skills required to manage and prioritize multiple workstreams in parallel
Ability to work autonomously
Proven ability to work independently, using own initiative to organise and prioritise tasks
Proven ability to motivate resources working in matrix project-team structure