Senior Counsel

Vestas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel to support the Onshore Transactions group in North America. You will draft and negotiate turbine supply contracts, advise on risk allocation, and collaborate with sales, finance, project execution, and tech teams.

The role requires 7+ years in commercial transactions, a J.D., and demonstrated leadership in complex energy contracts, project finance familiarity, and experience managing external counsel in a global, matrixed setting.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7+ years in commercial transactions with contract drafting and negotiation.
• Experience leading complex turbine supply or energy-related agreements.
• Experience in global or matrixed organizations.
• Experience managing external counsel and coordinating specialized legal support.
• Familiarity with project finance concepts.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate turbine supply agreements and related contracts.
• Provide strategic risk allocation and commercial terms guidance.
• Identify and communicate legal and commercial risks clearly.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and global colleagues.
• Manage external counsel and supervise junior team members.
• Improve contracting processes, templates, and governance.

Skills

J.D. degree

Commercial transactions

Contract drafting

High-value agreements

External counsel management

Project finance

Global/matrix org

Stakeholder collaboration

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

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 changing and competitive market.

Deliver 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:

• Managing 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.
• Managing 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 solid 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.
• Deep 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.

Competencies:

• Commercial mindset - Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and deliver pragmatic, solution-oriented advice
• Effective 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
• Relationship building 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
• Methodical problem-solving - Effectively navigates complex issues and develops practical, well-reasoned solutions
• Agility and prioritization - Handles competing priorities effectively in a changing work environment with shifting business needs
• Process improvement orientation - Identifies opportunities to streamline and enhance legal service delivery

What we offer:

• The chance to contribute to major renewable energy projects that support the global shift to cleaner power.
• A strategic, business-facing legal role with meaningful responsibility and visibility across the organization.
• Close collaboration with an accomplished, global legal team that prioritizes inclusion, mentorship, and collective achievement.
• A forward-thinking 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

CCPA Notice for California Applicants

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.