About The Role

Senior Legal Counsel
Aberdeen, Hybrid
Full time, Permanent

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company. From our origins as a ship owner and operator, we’ve evolved to provide the expertise and innovative technology our customers need in the harshest of environments across Energy, Defence and Maritime Transport. The Energy Division provides safe, sustainable products and services for two core markets, energy services and renewables.

We are relied on to help our customers deliver on their promises and realise their ambitions safely, efficiently and responsibly.

We have a strong heritage built on the foundations of our people and innovation. Alongside our valuable partnerships with customers, communities and suppliers, we are embedding a more sustainable approach across our business.

Our strategy is centred around the One James Fisher ambition. We are building a stronger, more cohesive engineering service company operating in the Blue Economy.

Together, we are building a brighter, bolder and more innovative future.

The Role

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in advising the Energy Division’s Senior Leadership Team and Executive Committee, providing expert legal guidance across a broad range of matters. You will take the lead in managing and resolving complex legal, contractual and compliance issues with minimal supervision, while also contributing to initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of the wider Group Legal team. From time to time, you will support legal matters across other Group companies within James Fisher and Sons plc, offering a varied and high-impact remit.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, reviewing and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts including customer/supplier contracts, agency, cooperation/collaboration agreements for strategic partnerships/alliances
• Managing disputes, litigation and supervising external legal counsel
• Managing a range of commercial property matters
• Supporting entity setup and restructuring of existing Division/Group entities to align with the “One James Fisher” strategy
• Leading intellectual property strategy and commercial property matters
• Ensuring operations and business activities are carried out in compliance with local laws, regulations and the Group’s policies, standards and procedures
• Advising senior stakeholders and presenting legal input to the Divisional Senior Leadership team, Exco members and Investment Committee
• Driving compliance programmes, delivering training and contributing to Group Legal initiatives
• Supporting and mentoring junior legal team members and the contracts team

Qualifications And Experience

We are looking for a qualified lawyer with:

• Significant experience in international energy services and renewables, ideally with around 10 years post-qualification experience (flexibility considered).
• Strong knowledge of international contract standards such as LOGIC, FIDIC, NEC.
• Experience in both in-house and private practice environments.
• Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders and deliver commercially focused legal solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Leadership capability, with or without direct management experience