Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.
Who We Are
We are one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization.
We’re grounded by our SPIRIT Values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business – but not at all costs. We believe it’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it – that sets us apart.
Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment
To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.
Job Summary
The Senior Counsel – Benefits reports to the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel - Labor, Employment & Benefits and serves as a legal advisor to numerous business partners, including the HR Benefits and Finance/Tax teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ERISA regulations and extensive experience in the administration and compliance of qualified plans - both defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
Position Overview
Your responsibilities may include:
•Provide legal advice and counsel on all aspects of defined contribution and defined benefit qualified plan work, from inception of plan design to implementation and administration
•Administer and manage qualified retirement plans, ensuring compliance with all laws including ERISA, IRS, PBGC, and DOL regulations
•Draft and review plan communications, including legal posting notices, plan amendments, and corporate resolutions
•Conduct and review annual compliance testing, including ADP/ACP, top-heavy, and coverage tests
•Prepare and review Form 5500 and other required governmental filings and internal SEC filings related to such plans
•Provide guidance and support to clients on operational, and compliance issues, including EPCRS correction methodologies
•Proactively monitor legislation, regulations and emerging relevant legal trends and disseminate information to our clients
•Respond to governmental and internal plan audits and resolve any compliance issues
•Organize and conduct fiduciary training and fiduciary committee meetings and prepare committee minutes; advise fiduciaries regarding legal compliance
•Provide counsel regarding prohibited transactions and direction on correcting and reporting such transactions
•Oversee outside counsel in litigation
•Participate in contract negotiations with retirement plan vendors; assist with relevant RFPs
•Serve on multi-disciplinary project teams related to the above areas
Basic/Required:
•Legally authorized to work in the United States
•Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
•Currently licensed to practice law in Texas or other appropriate jurisdiction
•7 or more years of experience with benefit plans and programs
•Intermediate Knowledge of ERISA requirements, and familiarity with federal regulatory agencies
Preferred:
•1 or more years of legal experience with regards to benefit matters related to global M&A/A&D activity
•1 or more years of legal experience assisting with international pension matters
•Advance knowledge of legal experience with substantive and relevant tax laws pertaining to benefit plans of all types
•Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
•Ability to balance legal risk and business objectives
•Ability to manage and prioritize assignments which may be broad in scope and complexity, and which involve collaborative work with employees in different departments or with varying degrees of seniority required. Self-initiation on regular and complex assignments required
•Superior advocacy and presentation skills, as well as mature judgment and utmost discretion
•Well-developed people skills that enable guiding senior leaders with confidence
•Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to effectively handle and communicate with internal business clients, outside counsel, consultants, and vendors. Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
•Ability to work independently within broadly defined objectives, being able to perform job functions without extensive supervision
•Ability to learn quickly to apply company policies, procedures, programs, plans, and operations, and to understand competitive practices
•Effective utilization and communication with internal support staff, including assigned paralegal and administrative assistant
•Delivers positive results through realistic planning to accomplish goals
•Listens actively and invites new ideas for exchanged opinions, then influences and acts to drive positive performance and achieve results
•Builds positive relationships based on trust and seeks collaboration across organizational boundaries to achieve goals
•Analyzes stakeholder needs, global, political, and market trends to understand how they shape the future and impact business results
Apply By:
Jul 23, 2025
Sponsorship:
ConocoPhillips’ sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.
EEO:
In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Houston, TX
full time
