Legal Counsel

Biglift Amstel B.V.; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

29 leave days

Training & education

Informal working environment

In-house fitness facilities

Social events

Job summary

BigLift Shipping B.V., part of the Spliethoff Group, seeks a Legal Counsel to strengthen the legal team and support the commercial unit with pragmatic legal advice on contracts, disputes and sanctions.

The role requires drafting and negotiating carriage and offshore supply contracts, coordinating with insurance and compliance teams, and handling claims for both fleet and office in a global shipping environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Law, preferably Maritime Law.
• Relevant maritime industry experience and understanding of shipping contracts, including BIMCO forms.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Sound knowledge of maritime insurance (P&I, Hull & Machinery).
• Proficiency in English contract law.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Dutch, both oral and written.
• Proactive, pragmatic and hands-on approach to work.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and active listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and advising on contracts of carriage and offshore supply contracts.
• Providing contractual, insurance and sanctions guidance during ongoing projects.
• Negotiating with clients, suppliers, contractors and authorities.
• Proactive claims handling related to both the fleet and the office.

Skills

Drafting contracts

Negotiation

Legal advisory

English & Dutch proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Law

Maritime law specialization

Tools

BIMCO forms

Maritime insurance knowledge (P&I, Hull & Machinery)

Job description

Legal Counsel

BigLift Shipping B.V., part of the Spliethoff Group, is a global leader in heavy cargo transportation. With a fleet of 25 state‑of‑the‑art heavy lift and heavy transport vessels, we handle some of the world’s most complex marine transport and heavy‑lift projects. As we expand our Heavy Transport Vessel fleet from four to eight vessels by 2028, BigLift is seeking a Legal Counsel to strengthen the Spliethoff Group’s legal team.

The Legal Department supports the Group organization on a wide range of legal and insurance matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts, handling claims and disputes, sanctions and compliance guidance. The team currently consists of 5 Legal specialists, with one of them fully dedicated to support BigLift Shipping B.V. You will work under the supervision of the General Counsel.

What Is The Job About

In the role of Legal Counsel, you act as a partner by advising the commercial team in a pragmatic way. The role of the Legal Counsel is diverse and includes:

• Drafting, reviewing and advising on contracts of carriage and offshore Supply contracts;
• Providing contractual, insurance and sanctions advice and guidance during ongoing projects;
• Negotiating with clients, suppliers, contractors and authorities;
• Proactive claims handling related to both the fleet and the office.

What Do We Ask

• Master's degree in Law, preferably specializing in Maritime Law.
• Relevant experience within the maritime industry and a thorough understanding of shipping contracts, including BIMCO forms.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Sound knowledge of maritime insurance, including P&I and Hull & Machinery cover.
• Basic knowledge of English contract law.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Dutch, both oral and written.
• A proactive, pragmatic and hands-on approach to work.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and active listening skills.

What Do We Offer

A challenging and interesting position in a dynamic organisation. Apart from our competitive salaries, we offer excellent benefits like: a solid pension package, 29 leave days per year, training and education possibilities, informal working environment, in-house fitness facilities, social get-togethers on a regular basis.