Principal Legal Counsel

Oman Refinery; Muscat; On-site; OMR 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Oman Refinery seeks a senior legal professional to act as a strategic legal authority, delivering expert advice on major transactions and high-risk contractual matters. You will mentor junior members, guide risk mitigation, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards across the organization.

The role requires extensive experience in negotiations, due diligence, and cross-functional collaboration to support strategic investments and corporate initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of experience in a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal/compliance function
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Experience supporting strategic projects, transactions, disputes and risk mitigation initiatives

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on complex commercial, contractual, regulatory and operational matters.
• Lead major transactions, acquisitions, restructurings and financing arrangements.
• Coordinate external counsel and manage complex disputes and legal issues.
• Develop guidance, templates and best practices to strengthen legal consistency and mitigate risk.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Legal risk management

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

Job purpose

Act as a senior technical legal authority providing expert advice and leading complex sensitive and strategically significant legal matters Accountable for the delivery of legal support of major transactions high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes Accountable for the delivery of legal support on major transaction high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes while providing technical guidance quality review and mentoring to other legal professionals The position will act in accordance with the Group s Mission Vision Values amp Strategies as well as policies guidelines and standards supported by an IT Technology platform HSE standards Omani s government amp other legal justifications and best international practices in consonance with national objectives

Main tasks and responsibilities

Provide legal advice on complex commercial contractual regulatory and operational matters Advise on the legal implications of strategic business decisions including alternative transaction structures and associated risk allocation Develop legal strategies for managing material disputes contentious matters and complex contractual exposures Review and provide technical challenge on significant legal advice legal opinions and contractual positions prepared by other team members Lead legal workstreams on major acquisitions divestments joint ventures restructuring financing arrangements and other strategic transactions as assigned Lead the drafting review negotiation and execution of complex agreements and legal documentation Support major transactions investments partnerships financing arrangements and strategic projects Conduct legal assessments and provide recommendations to support management decision-making Interpret laws regulations and legal developments and advise stakeholders on business implications Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the organization s interests Lead legal due diligence activities and assess legal exposures and obligations Manage complex contractual disputes claims and legal issues Coordinate direct and challenge external legal counsel on specialized legal matters Develop legal guidance templates and best practices to strengthen legal consistency Review and validate legal analyses and recommendations prepared by junior team members Coach and mentor Legal team members Identify opportunities to improve legal effectiveness and support business objectives

Key interactions

Internal OQ SAOC Streams amp Assets

External Staffing specialized Contractors Vendors amp Suppliers

Notable Working Conditions

Office environment intensive computer screen use sporadic visits to operation site

Education requirements

LLB or equivalent from a reputable university or law school with admission to a recognized civil or common law Bar or equivalent body in other words qualified as a lawyer solicitor barrister

Language

Excellent written and spoken English is a must

Background and experience

A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and or in-house legal and compliance function within a recognised corporate entity Extensive experience drafting reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements Experience supporting strategic projects transactions disputes and legal risk mitigation initiatives Experience supporting strategic investments mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions including legal due diligence transaction structuring negotiation and documentation Strong understanding of applicable laws regulations and commercial legal practices

Competencies and skills

A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal and compliance function within a recognised corporate entity Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Experience supporting strategic projects, transactions, disputes, and legal risk mitigation initiatives. Experience supporting strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and documentation. Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and commercial legal practices. Soft: Ability to think strategically and align legal advice with business priorities. Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters. Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-risk and ambiguous situations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to coach, mentor, and develop legal talent. Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Technical Competencies

Ability to provide expert legal advice on complex commercial and regulatory matters. Ability to lead negotiations and develop commercially sound legal solutions. Strong knowledge of contract law, regulatory requirements, and legal risk management. Ability to assess complex legal risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies. Ability to support strategic transactions, disputes, investigations, and business initiatives. Ability to interpret legislative and regulatory developments and advise on business implications. Ability to establish legal standards, guidance, and best practices.

LLB or equivalent from a reputable university or law school with admission to a recognized civil or common law Bar (or equivalent body), in other words, qualified as a lawyer/solicitor/barrister. Language Excellent written and spoken English is a must. A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal and compliance function within a recognised corporate entity Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Experience supporting strategic projects, transactions, disputes, and legal risk mitigation initiatives. Experience supporting strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and documentation. Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and commercial legal practices. Soft: Ability to think strategically and align legal advice with business priorities. Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters. Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-risk and ambiguous situations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to coach, mentor, and develop legal talent. Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Technical Competencies: Ability to provide expert legal advice on complex commercial and regulatory matters. Ability to lead negotiations and develop commercially sound legal solutions. Strong knowledge of contract law, regulatory requirements, and legal risk management. Ability to assess complex legal risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies. Ability to support strategic transactions, disputes, investigations, and business initiatives. Ability to interpret legislative and regulatory developments and advise on business implications. Ability to establish legal standards, guidance, and best practices.