Sempra Infrastructure

Counsel - Procurement

Houston, TX

About This Job

Primary Purpose

Sempra Infrastructure seeks a procurement attorney who will provide legal services to support wide range of activities of the company, including assisting on procurement and construction activities and other general procurement activities to project teams delivering major energy infrastructure projects in the US and Mexico.

The successful candidate will provide legal support for drafting and negotiating procurement and construction contracts and working closely with supply chain management and construction business lines. This role will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with legal regulations, managing contracts, and providing strategic advice to support the successful completion of large energy infrastructure projects and the operation of a large infrastructure company.

Expertise in construction and procurement matters, including the drafting and negotiation of complex contracts, advising with respect to disputes or potential disputes, and general project development matters will be critical to success in this role. The ability to identify and propose mitigants for contractual and project risks, exhibit a commercial mindset, and work closely and collaboratively with multiple clients in a demanding project environment will be critical.

An ideal candidate will also work well with diverse and cross-cultural teams, be an independent self-starter, focus on quality in all aspects of performance, and communicate openly and transparently with team members at all levels within and outside of the organization. Experience working in a cross-cultural or cross-border setting is a plus, as are Spanish language skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Guidance and Compliance:

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Provide legal advice and guidance to internal stakeholders regarding procurement and construction matters.

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Work closely with legal team and project team to ensure understanding of the contractual needs of the project team.

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Support compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards pertaining to the energy industry and construction and procurement activities.

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Monitor and stay updated on changes in legal requirements and industry practices and adapt strategies and procedures accordingly.

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Monitor the legal and regulatory environment and make recommendations as may be needed to protect the company.

Legal Expertise:

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Knowledge of US laws, regulations, and industry standards related to procurement and construction in the energy sector and willingness to gain additional skills, as required.

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Experience in navigating the legal frameworks specific to energy projects in the US and Mexico, preferred in environmental regulations, labor laws, permitting requirements, and land acquisition processes as may be required to effectively support the company.

Procurement and Construction Contracting Practices:

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Understanding of procurement and construction practices and industry standards in the United States and internationally, as applicable.

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Familiarity with construction disputes and related practices and impacts and practices that can result in cost or schedule impacts to large energy projects.

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Experience supporting the development of significant energy infrastructure projects, understanding of the construction delivery of a project.

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Anticipate project team needs and work closely with project controls team.

Contract Management:

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Support the review, assurance and negotiation, as needed of contracts, subcontracts, and other related agreements.

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Collaborate with internal teams, external legal counsel, and contractors to ensure contracts align with project requirements, mitigate risks, and protect the organization's interests.

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Monitor contract performance, resolve disputes, and provide guidance on contract interpretation and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

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Demonstrated track record in effectively supporting teams in managing contracts and potential claims in EPC contracts, subcontracts, and related agreements with a focus on the energy industry.

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Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate contract amendments or claims resolutions and supporting delivery of major projects through understanding and supporting teams that operationalize the terms and conditions, including risk allocation, indemnification provisions, change orders, and dispute resolution mechanisms and provisions.

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Advise on risk allocation, insurance coverage, and liability issues to protect the organization's assets and reputation.

Risk Mitigation and Dispute Resolution:

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Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them during project execution.

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Support dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation, when necessary.

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Ability to help structure diverse and alternative options and think creatively.

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Broad general grasp of legal issues under US and foreign legal systems and demonstrated capability of building up knowledge in particular areas of law and operate independently.

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Strong expertise in managing disputes related to procurement and construction activities, including claims, change orders, and variations.

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Demonstrated ability to assess and mitigate legal risks associated with project disputes and provide strategic advice to achieve favorable resolutions.

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Experience in utilizing alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, to efficiently resolve conflicts and minimize project disruptions.

Cross-Border Legal Expertise:

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Demonstrated experience in managing legal matters and transactions with a global scope, particularly across North America

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Familiarity with the legal systems, regulations, and business practices in these regions, including cross-border transactions, international construction law, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

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Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to foreign investments, intellectual property, taxation, and employment in the energy industry

Stakeholder Management:

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Collaborate closely with internal teams, including project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and executives, to ensure legal compliance and alignment with project goals.

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Liaise with external stakeholders, such as contractors, suppliers, regulatory authorities, joint venture partners and legal counsel, to establish effective working relationships and manage legal matters efficiently.

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Ability to develop and sustain relationships with clients at all levels.

Policies, Procedures, and Training:

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Support the development of and implementation of practices, procedures, and guidelines related to EPC activities to ensure consistency, compliance, and best practices across projects.

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Conduct training for project teams and relevant stakeholders to increase awareness of legal requirements, risk management, and contract administration

Cross-Cultural Competence:

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Ability to navigate and effectively communicate across different cultures, adapting to diverse business customs and practices.

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Experience working with international teams, joint ventures, and external partners to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and establish mutually beneficial relationships.

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Appreciation for the cultural nuances and business customs in both the United States and Mexico to foster effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders from both countries.

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A track record of being a collaborative and respectful team member who elevates, mentors and trains others to ensure the success of the team

Contractual Expertise for Joint Ventures:

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Proficiency in understanding the implications of contractor consortium agreements, considering and the implications and dynamics of multinational collaborations on large energy infrastructure projects.

Perform other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Education

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JD (Juris Doctor) J.D. or LL.M from an accredited law school Required

Experience

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5+ years Relevant legal experience for the job activities described above. Required

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3+ years Project development experience in the energy industry Preferred

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Experience of relevant laws and regulations, such as construction law, energy regulations, procurement practices, and contract law.

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Strong understanding of procurement and construction processes in large energy projects.

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Experience in negotiating and managing complex contracts.

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Skills and Abilities

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Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and good influencing skills.

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Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and influence stakeholders at all levels.

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Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards. and significant experience in construction, procurement, or major project execution legal work experience

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Ability to work as part of a team and be a self-starter, with willingness and ability to undertake or assist in new areas of practice.

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Ability to address issues creatively and sensitively and to build strong relationships across organizations.

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Support substantial and complex construction and project matters, in the LNG, low carbon, clean power, and midstream sectors.

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Support contract and claims initiatives, claims prevention and management for major energy projects.

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Support in claim initiatives space, including advising project teams on claims and pre-litigation dispute resolution and collaborate with the cross discipline claims initiative team.

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Ability to react with a positive attitude to a wide range of challenges, and work effectively to handle pre-litigation conflicts, if necessary.

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Fluent English, reading, writing, and speaking. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.

Licenses and Certifications

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Member in good standing of a US State Bar, with a preference for CA, LA or TX. Required

Prefer candidates who desire to work out of our Houston, Texas headquarters, with availability to travel to San Diego, California, Mexico City, Mexico and other locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

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