Senior Corporate Counsel

Vestas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas North America is seeking a senior legal professional to lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of turbine supply and related project contracts across the United States and Canada. You will provide strategic advice on risk allocation, commercial terms, and governance, partnering with sales, finance, and project teams to drive compliant, value-driven outcomes.

With 7+ years in commercial transactions and a JD, you will mentor junior lawyers, manage external counsel, and contribute to

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with bar admission in at least one US jurisdiction.
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in commercial transactions and contract drafting/negotiation.
• Proven track record leading high-value turbine supply or related commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of commercial law and risk allocation in large-scale transactions.
• Experience working in a global or matrixed organization with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience managing external counsel and coordinating specialized legal support.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of turbine supply agreements and related contracts.
• Provide strategic legal advice on risk allocation and commercial terms for equipment sales.
• Identify and communicate legal/commercial risks to enable informed decisions.
• Collaborate with global colleagues ensuring alignment with policies and best practices.
• Manage and supervise external counsel as needed.
• Mentor and coach junior team members on transactions and negotiation approaches.
• Contribute to team capability building through knowledge sharing and training.
• Drive continuous improvements of contracting templates and governance frameworks.
• Support training initiatives to enhance legal risk awareness within business teams.
• Contribute to broader legal and business initiatives as part of a global function.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Commercial transactions

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership/mentoring

Communication

External counsel management

Project finance knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

US bar admission

Job description

As part of the Vestas North America Legal & Compliance department, the Onshore Transactions group serves as a strategic legal partner to the new equipment sales organization, supporting the contracting lifecycle for wind turbine supply projects. The team operates at the center of Vestas' commercial activities, advising on complex, high-value transactions and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders across sales, finance, project execution, and technical teams. Our focus is on delivering practical, solution-oriented legal support that balances risk management with commercial objectives in a fast-moving and competitive market. Lead legal support for wind turbine supply and related project contracts across the United States and Canada, acting as a trusted advisor to the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex turbine supply agreements and related commercial contracts.
• Providing strategic legal advice on risk allocation and commercial terms in support of new equipment sales.
• Identifying, assessing, and clearly communicating legal and commercial risks to enable informed decision-making.
• Collaborating with global colleagues and ensuring alignment with company policies and best practices.
• Managing and supervising external counsel, as needed.
• Mentoring and coaching junior team members, including providing guidance on legal skill development, contract strategy and negotiation approach.
• Contributing to team capability building through knowledge sharing, informal training, and support of junior colleagues on transactions.
• Driving continuous improvement of contracting processes, templates, and governance frameworks to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Supporting training initiatives to build legal and risk awareness within business teams.
• Contributing to broader legal and business initiatives as part of a collaborative, global legal function.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school (or international equivalent), admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (or ability to obtain).
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in commercial transactions, with a strong foundation in contract drafting and negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, high-value agreements in industries such as energy, infrastructure, construction, capital equipment, or similar sectors.
• Strong understanding of commercial law principles and risk allocation in large-scale transactions.
• Experience working in a global or matrixed organization and engaging with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience managing external counsel and coordinating specialized legal support.
• Familiarity with project finance concepts is a plus.

Competencies:

• Commercial mindset - Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and deliver pragmatic, solution-oriented advice
• Strong negotiation skills - Effective in structuring and closing complex transactions with sophisticated counterparties
• Clear communication - Able to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for diverse stakeholders
• Influence and collaboration - Builds trust and credibility across all levels of the organization and external partners
• Leadership and coaching - Demonstrates a commitment to developing others through mentorship, feedback, and knowledge sharing
• Ownership and accountability - Takes initiative and leads legal support on critical projects with minimal supervision
• Analytical problem-solving - Effectively navigate complex issues and develop practical, well-reasoned solutions
• Adaptability and prioritization - Thrives in a dynamic environment with competing priorities and evolving business needs
• Process improvement orientation - Identifies opportunities to streamline and enhance legal service delivery

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work on high-impact, industry-leading renewable energy projects that contribute to the global energy transition.
• A strategic, business-facing legal role with meaningful responsibility and visibility across the organization.
• Collaboration with a high-performing, international legal team that values inclusion, mentorship, and shared success.
• A dynamic and growth-oriented environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and mentorship experience.
• A culture that values collaboration, integrity, and sustainability

Our commitment to a fair hiring

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.

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