Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

Bouygues Construction Australia, which has worked in Australia for more than 25 years, is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel. The role provides strategic, commercially focused and technically sound legal advice across complex projects, transactions, contracts and operational matters, acting as a trusted adviser who protects the organisation's legal, commercial and reputational interests. It reports directly to the General Counsel in Australia, is based at the Sydney Head Office (flexible working policy) and may involve occasional domestic and international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate head contracts with public and private sector clients, mainly in data centres, renewables (solar and battery), hospitals, schools, universities and occasionally civil infrastructure projects
• Prepare, review, negotiate and manage contracts and other legal documents
• Provide clear, timely legal advice to operational and management teams on complex construction, energy and commercial matters
• Identify, assess and manage legal, contractual, regulatory and operational risks
• Take part in corporate decision-making through legal reviews and support to senior management
• Advise on the legal implications of client and group strategies, policies and projects
• Lead legal research and analysis, including using legal AI tools, and monitor legal developments and best practice
• Manage external legal advisers where required and contribute to corporate initiatives such as acquisitions
• Help develop legal policies, procedures, templates and compliance frameworks, including global legal working groups
• Maintain accurate records of legal matters, advice, contracts, risks and outcomes, and mentor legal team members

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Law, Engineering, Construction Management, Business or a related discipline
• Admission as a legal practitioner with a current practising certificate in Australia or another common law jurisdiction
• Significant experience as a legal practitioner in a senior or specialist role, in-house or private practice
• Recognised experience in legal and construction, building or energy sectors; some M&A or corporate/commercial experience desirable
• Experience working with senior management and key internal and external stakeholders

Required skills

• Sound legal, technical, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to assess and manage legal risk
• Excellent written communication, including advanced legal drafting, contract reviews, reports, templates and tender submissions