Head of Legal

Job Description:

Hanwha Ocean Offshore Business embarks on a journey to transition from a traditional shipbuilder to an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Operation (EPCI(O)) solution provider, offering products such as FPSO, FLNG, Offshore Renewables and other Floating Production Units.

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Our Offshore Business Division recently expanded its global footprint by establishing new Global Business Centers in North America and Europe with the intention of becoming a project-centric and client-driven business organization. This transformation aims to offer enhanced project execution and knowledge-driven operational models by bridging the upstream culture of three continents across Asia, Europe, and America.

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Together with talented people and through leadership, Offshore Business continues to deliver outstanding performance for our customers, partners, and shareholders by moving into its next phase of growth and success.

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Position Overview:

Hanwha Ocean Offshore Business Unit is seeking an experienced Head of Legal to join our Houston, Texas office. This critical role involves delivering comprehensive legal support for the company’s FPSO & Offshore project activities within the region, ensuring rigorous compliance with both US Federal and Texas State laws.

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The Head of Legal will serve as a key figure in the legal department, offering expert legal advice and strategic guidance to uphold the company’s adherence to all relevant regulations and standards. This position requires a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry – specifically within the FPSO project sector, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to adeptly manage complex legal matters. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in navigating intricate legal landscapes and driving compliance within a dynamic and evolving sector.

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Key Responsibilities:

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Legal Advisory:

• Provide expert legal counsel on complex commercial, regulatory, and corporate issues, ensuring that the company's operations are legally sound and aligned with business objectives.
• Negotiate, draft, and review high-value contracts, agreements, and other critical legal documents to safeguard the company's interests and mitigate risks.
• Ensure comprehensive compliance with local, national, and international laws and regulations that impact the company’s operations, including those specific to the oil and gas industry.

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Regulatory & Compliance:

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of legal and regulatory developments within the oil and gas sector, and assess their implications for the company.
• Advise on compliance matters and develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures designed to manage legal risks effectively and ensure adherence to regulations.
• Oversee interactions with regulatory bodies, manage legal audits, and handle investigations to ensure the company’s operations remain within legal boundaries.

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Strategic Contract Management:

• Develop and implement comprehensive contract strategies aligned with offshore & FPSO project objectives and industry best practices.
• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of complex contracts related to offshore projects, including supply agreements, balance of plant contracts, grid connection agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and operation and maintenance contracts.
• Ensure all contracts adhere to legislative and regulatory requirements specific to offshore development, including environmental regulations and local content requirements.
• Manage the entire FPSO contract lifecycle using advanced contract management software, coordinate with various departments (engineering, procurement, finance, legal), and maintain a robust contract change management process.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all contract-related matters, manage complex negotiations, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and project partners.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks, ensure compliance with industry standards and local laws, and work closely with legal teams to address complex issues and disputes relating to FPSO projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of contract managers, provide training on best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for contract management, prepare regular reports, and conduct post-contract reviews to identify lessons learned.

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Leadership & Management:

• Develop and execute legal strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and contribute to its overall success.
• Collaborate closely with senior management to provide strategic advice on legal risks and opportunities, influencing decision-making processes and supporting business growth.

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Dispute Resolution:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and settlement negotiations, to protect the company’s interests and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Develop and implement effective strategies for dispute resolution and risk management, ensuring that potential legal conflicts are resolved efficiently and with minimal impact on the company.

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Corporate Governance:

• Ensure that the company adheres to established corporate governance standards and best practices, maintaining transparency and accountability in all legal and business dealings.
• Advise the board of directors and senior management on legal and governance issues, providing insights and recommendations to support sound decision-making and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with legal teams to address complex contractual issues and disputes, particularly those involving maritime law and offshore operations, ensuring that legal challenges are managed effectively and aligned with industry standards.

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Qualifications (Required):

• Education: Law degree from an accredited institution; equivalent law degree from an accredited institution; admission to practice law in relevant jurisdictions.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of legal experience, with at least 8 years in a senior role within the EPCI(O) offshore oil and gas or energy sector, including proven experience FPSO contract negotiations.

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Skills:

• Legal Expertise: Deep knowledge of oil and gas regulations, maritime law, contract law, and corporate governance. Strong understanding of offshore industry regulations and legislative requirements, including labor protection, industrial safety, and environmental regulations. Must have previous FPSO legal experience.
• Contract Management: Extensive experience in managing complex FPSO contracts with proven ability to develop and implement effective contract strategies and manage the entire contract lifecycle.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in establishing, developing, leading and mentoring legal teams. Strong skills in negotiation, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Communication: Outstanding communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Proficient in managing complex negotiations and building strong relationships.
• Professional Certification: Relevant certifications such as Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) or equivalent are preferred.
• International Experience: Experience working in international legal environments or with multinational companies, particularly in the context of offshore and renewable energy projects.
• Regulatory Experience: Proven experience dealing with regulatory bodies at both federal and state levels, particularly in the oil and gas or renewable energy sectors.
• Experience with Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts in the energy sector.
• Familiarity with international contract standards (e.g., FIDIC, NEC) and their application in offshore projects.

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Diversity and Inclusion:

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Hanwha believes that diversity and inclusion are vital to our success. We believe that by embracing different ideas and approaches, we enhance our ability to deliver the best results for our employees, our environment, and ultimately our business partners and customers. We foster a culture where all colleagues are able to share their passions and ideas in order that we may collectively embrace and overcome the challenges in our industry, and work toward a brighter future.

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Hanwha is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.

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