General Counsel - Oil & Gas

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the oil & gas sector is on the lookout for an exceptional General Counsel to join their senior leadership team. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to influence the company's strategic direction as they expand into new markets. You will oversee a high-performing international legal team, providing crucial legal advice on M&A, project development, and compliance matters. Join a forward-thinking organization where your expertise will shape the future of a growing global business and make a significant impact in the industry.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in legal matters.
• Trained with a top-tier law firm in energy or corporate practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an international legal team across jurisdictions.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board and senior leadership.

Skills

M&A

EPC contracts

regulatory compliance

corporate governance

risk management

Education

UK qualified solicitor

Post-qualification experience

Job description

Job Description

A leading FTSE 250 oil & gas company is seeking to appoint an exceptional General Counsel to join its senior leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal legal leadership role within a dynamic, high-growth organisation with a global footprint.

The Company

Headquartered in London, this company is a well-established and ambitious player in the oil & gas sector with significant international operations. As they continue to expand their global reach, including into new and emerging markets, they require a strategic legal leader to help steer the business through its next phase of growth.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the senior leadership team, the General Counsel will be a key advisor to the Board and executive management. This is a broad and hands-on leadership role, overseeing a sizeable international legal team and advising on a wide range of matters across M&A, project development, EPC contracts, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, disputes and risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a high-performing international legal team, promoting collaboration across jurisdictions.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, CEO, and senior leadership on corporate and operational matters.
• Drive legal strategy in support of international expansion, including M&A and complex joint ventures.
• Advise on large-scale oil & gas infrastructure projects, with a focus on EPC contracts and upstream/downstream development.
• Oversee governance, compliance and risk management across all jurisdictions.
• Retain a hands-on approach to complex matters where strategic legal input is required.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring efficiency and value.

Candidate Profile:

• UK qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience.
• Trained with a top-tier law firm and ideally started your career in a recognised energy, projects, or corporate practice.
• Strong background in international M&A and major project work within the oil & gas sector.
• Deep understanding of EPC contracts and experience advising on large capital projects globally.
• Proven ability to lead and develop large, cross-border legal teams while maintaining a hands-on, delivery-focused approach.
• Gravitas and commercial acumen to operate as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
• Previous experience in a General Counsel or senior legal leadership role within a multinational organisation is highly desirable.

Why Apply?

This is a career-defining role offering exposure to high-impact work at the heart of a growing global business. You’ll join a forward-thinking leadership team and play an instrumental role in shaping the company’s future as it enters new markets and deepens its international presence.