Legal Counsel (f/m/x) renewable Energy

ZipRecruiter; Cologne (MN); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global renewable energy company seeks a Legal Counsel to support its growth in the green energy sector. This role involves providing expert legal advice on corporate governance, compliance, and project development laws while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective legal compliance.

Benefits

Permanent contract

Attractive remuneration with performance-based bonus

30 days holidays

Possibility to work remotely

Training and team events

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in corporate law, M&A, joint ventures, and public law.
• Experience managing external legal advisors and teams.
• Fluent in German and proficient in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Support development of renewable energy projects legally.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to project development.

Skills

Corporate governance

Compliance

Public law

Project development law

Excellent communication skills

Education

German law degree with second state examination

Job description

Job Description

Industry
Renewable Energy Power

Company size worldwide
501-1,000 employees worldwide

Specialties
multi-technology, customer-focused, vertically integrated, clean energy solutions, global renewable energy company, wind power, solar power, energy storage, and green hydrogen

The earth needs to get back to zero. At Zelestra, we make your decarbonization a reality! By working hard and working smart. We do all we can to meet our clients' goals and get results that matter. Zelestra is a purpose-driven global multi-technology company. We provide value across the entire chain to enhance competitiveness and mitigate execution risk in large-scale renewable energy projects with a robust project portfolio and vertical integration to deliver renewable solutions efficiently. Our beliefs are the cornerstone of our culture and guide our actions every day: We work tirelessly to do things right, we take ownership of everything we do, we push ourselves and our clients further, we get results that matter, we work together to achieve great things.

Join us:

Legal Counsel (f/m/x) renewable Energy

We are seeking a dedicated Legal Counsel (f/m/x) specialized and experienced in renewable energy to join our German team. In this key position, you will support our growth by providing expert legal advice across various areas, including corporate law, partnership law, energy law, public law, and project development related laws and regulations. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure legal compliance and facilitate strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters
• Support the development of renewable energy projects from a legal perspective
• Legally advise on mergers & acquisitions (M&A), co-development activities and strategic partnerships
• Ensure compliance with relevant German laws and regulations
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to project development, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing (e.g., EPC and BoP contracts, land use agreements, grid connection agreements, PPAs, project finance agreements)
• Support legal due diligence for project development, acquisitions, and divestments
• Manage external legal advisors and coordinate internal legal processes efficiently
• Develop and update standard contract templates
• Handle claims management and dispute resolution
• Contribute to compliance initiatives including data protection, anti-money laundering measures, and maintaining the company's compliance management system
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders such as the Chief Legal Counsel and Head of Compliance

• Ability to work effectively in a multinational and multidisciplinary environment
• High level of initiative, motivation, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Reliable, loyal, and proactive in managing legal matters independently
• Excellent communication skills at all organizational levels
• Hands-on mentality: pragmatic problem-solver who works solution-oriented
• Successfully completed German law degree with second state examination (ideally with distinction)
• Several years of professional experience in energy or related sectors; experience in renewable energy projects is highly advantageous
• Proven expertise in corporate law, M&A, joint ventures, and public law
• Experience in managing external legal advisors and leading internal legal teams
• Strong understanding of the legal framework governing renewable energy projects in Germany
• Analytical mindset with excellent organizational skills
• Flexibility to travel for business meetings as needed
• Fluent in German () and proficient in English (written and spoken)

• Permanent contract
• Attractive remuneration with a performance-based bonus
• Training, team events and 30 days holidays
• Possibility to work remotely and still have the opportunity to meet at least once a month with all your colleagues from different departments
• Opportunity to take on responsibilities that have a direct impact on the business and the possibility to gain practical experience in diverse aspects of the company
• A sense of fulfilment as you embrace new challenges, grow, learn, and evolve
• Enjoying the best of both worlds: the resources and experience of an international company with 20 years of history and the opportunities of a small but fast-growing team in our German business unit
• Working towards a common goal with passionate colleagues

Why Us?

1. Realise your full potential
At Zelestra, we encourage reaching for the stars by continuously pushing boundaries and seeking greatness. Here, you'll find a sense of fulfillment as you embrace new challenges, grow, learn, and evolve. Enjoying the best of both worlds, Zelestra offers the growth mindset and opportunities of a startup along with the resources and experience of a 20-year-old company.
2. Leave your mark in the world
We live by our purpose, fully embracing the mission to make carbon-free energy a powerful force for positive transformation. Guided by unwavering vision and values, we prioritize the greater good, striving to leave a lasting legacy that benefits everyone and future alike.
3. Be a catalyst for excellence
At Zelestra, we encourage you to be catalysts for excellence, driving towards high performance with grit and determination. Joining our team means being surrounded by the best, working alongside top-tech clients in a winning environment. Here, you'll find an inspiring workplace, where great minds converge to shape the future of the carbon-free energy landscape, placing you at the forefront of the industry revolution.

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