Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description

The Senior Legal Counsel will play a critical role in BW ESS's Australian business, acting as the principal legal advisor and risk owner across strategy, project development, transactions, operations, and governance.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Influence and develop Australian business strategy as part of Australian management team
• Act as the primary legal risk owner for BW ESS in Australia, responsible for identifying, assessing and managing legal and regulatory risks, and escalating material issues to the General Counsel and Senior Management Team
• Collaborate with the General Counsel and BW Group global legal teams to ensure alignment with group standards, policies and best practices
• Develop and manage external counsel strategy, including selection, budgeting, performance management and efficient allocation of work

Project Development, New Transactions and Financings

• Act as the legal lead for BW ESS's Australian business across all stages of BESS project development, from site acquisition and feasibility through to final investment decisions and construction
• Oversee the negotiation of key project documentation including land access, grid connection, BESS supply, EPC, LTSA and revenue offtake agreements, as well as related project documentation
• Support wider BW ESS teams on acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures including transaction structuring, due diligence and negotiation of transaction documentation (including SPAs, SHAs and development services agreements)
• Oversee legal matters relating to project/holdco financings, including structuring and negotiation of finance documents and coordination with legal counsel, in close partnership with the BW ESS finance team
• Develop legal strategy in relation to FIRB and other foreign investment, regulatory and critical infrastructure approvals, including engagement with regulators and advisors

Asset Management & Operations

• Oversee legal and contractual matters relating to existing operational assets, including contract lifecycle management, amendments, performance issues and dispute resolution
• Advise on operational compliance obligations and interface with key counterparties including contractors, operators and offtakers

Governance, Compliance & Other

• Oversee delivery of corporate legal support to the General Counsel and wider BW ESS business, including governance, group structuring and overseeing company secretarial matters
• Monitor and advise on relevant legislative, regulatory and market developments impacting the energy storage sector and broader energy markets
• Lead and support the implementation of compliance, ESG and internal policy frameworks in Australian, in coordination with the General Counsel
• Draft and/or oversee development of standard form documentation and internal precedents across BW ESS

Key Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in Australia
• At least 10 years of experience in a top-tier law firm or in-house role within the renewable energy sector, preferably with multi-jurisdictional experience
• Strong understanding of project development, construction and revenue offtake contracts is required; broader experience of M&A, partnership and project financing documentation is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to review, draft, and negotiate complex commercial agreements
• Commercial mindset and the ability to work autonomously and manage multiple transactions and portfolio matters in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• Confident in dealing with senior counterparties
• Excellent written and verbal communication negotiation skills
• Enthusiastic, collaborative and proactive attitude

Why Join BW ESS

• Join a high-growth global organisation at the forefront of the energy transition
• Work across diverse and impactful projects that support Australia's renewable energy future
• Collaborate with an experienced, multidisciplinary team in a supportive and agile environment
• Competitive remuneration, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development