Principal Legal Operations

The Opportunity – 12 months Fixed Term Position

The position of Principal Legal Operations is to provide direct independent legal support, leadership and advice to South32’s Australian operations (hereafter “Client Group”) to ensure that legal risks are identified and managed in accordance with the Strategy and Values of South32.

Reporting to the Manager, Legal Operations Australia, and South Africa. Key role accountabilities include:

• Provides independent legal advice on to Client Group on strategic and complex mining projects, business risks and commercial opportunities, including with respect to mining tenure, land access (including acquisitions), community relations, WHS compliance, royalties, infrastructure, energy, the procurement of goods and services and the execution of major construction works
• Supports the Manager Legal on the delivery of Legal support to the South32 Operations in Australia and broader South32 Legal initiatives
• Establishes and maintains relationships with Client Group to act as the key point of contact and primarily provides advice in the key above areas within the accountability of the South32 Legal team 
• Ensures effective engagement with other South32 Legal sub-teams and Client Group in accordance with the South32 Legal Operating Model
• Manages external law firm relationships, costs, and service delivery
• Participates in and delivers on South32 Legal projects and internal reporting (within the Legal Function and to the broader business) as required
• Provides guidance to the business on the fundamentals of contracting, contractor management and contract law, including the common law, law of equity and legislation relevant to the procurement of goods and services and the execution of construction works
• Participates in legal due diligence in relation to Client Group’s merger, acquisition, and divestment activities

Governance, Analysis & Improvement and Planning

• Supports the development of the South32 Legal Business Plan and delivers, within the Client Group, against the South32 Legal Business Plan
• Provides input into the development and execution of analysis and improvement activities within the Legal team (including training) so for as they relate to the Client Group. Assists with the roll-out of improvement activities

Reporting

• Regularly reports to Client Group to ensure Client Group is updated on material issues and risks impacting the business
• Provides input into reporting templates and requirements to support the Manager Legal and the Client Group

Knowledge Management

Acts as a knowledge management champion

About You

You will be required to have the following:

• Experience in the resources or energy sector, especially in relation to mining and planning approvals, exploration requirements, general operations and regulatory compliance
• Extensive commercial/corporate law experience, including with projects, joint ventures, land access and tenure, procurement of gas and electricity supply, construction contracting, logistics and technology contracting. Experience with port, rail, infrastructure access and operations and energy procurement preferable
• Joint venture management and associated activity experience (including procurement interfaces)
• Disputes and regulatory investigation experience
• Health, safety, environment, and community experience. Experience in the WHS Model laws preferable
• Major construction contracting (tenders / contract negotiations / variations / claims / disputes)

Exposure to the following an advantage

• Native Title and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage compliance
• ASX Listing rules and compliance experience
• Insurance, Insolvency and Competition Law experience

Qualifications

• Current Australia legally qualified and practising lawyer
• 10+ years PQE

Our benefits 

• Competitive salary
• Incentive bonus
• Free onsite fitness classes
• Additional employer superannuation contributions which depend on the level of employee contributions you choose

Location

This role will be based at our office in the heart of the Perth CBD. We understand and value the benefits flexibility brings and operate a hybrid work model (in the office and from home).

Our culture 

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We’re focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organisation, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Applications close 10th November 2022