Senior Counsel - Compliance

#25-72522

Houston, Texas, USA

Job Category

Legal

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-time

Job Description Primary Purpose

Sempra Infrastructure seeks an outstanding compliance attorney with significant expertise in the energy industry, specifically core leadership role to maintain and strengthen Sempra Infrastructure's compliance and ethics program, including the anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance program (ABAC) and other compliance topic programs as directed by the Asst General Counsel – Compliance across the Company and its Business Units in the US and Internationally. Work collaboratively with other functional groups (Legal, Risk, HR, Finance, Business, and Internal Audit) and other relevant stakeholders to advance Sempra's ABAC and other compliance programs and ensure compliance with applicable laws and reduce risk for the Company.

The position will require excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate with internal and external specialized consultants to ensure activities are conducted in an efficient manner with the highest level of skill and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will work seamlessly with diverse teams in the U.S. and Mexico and have the ability to support complex projects, meet deadlines, and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision. The ability to provide commercially minded support to the business teams is also strongly preferred. Exhibit strong substantive legal skills (drafting and analysis), negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate and strategically partner with other lawyers and the business to achieve objectives.

Duties And Responsibilities

- In coordination with the Asst Gen Counsel - Compliance, implement Sempra Infrastructure’s Compliance program:

- Manage the ABAC program, including assessment and appropriate follow-up on issues identified during due diligence processes relating to engagement of third parties, charitable giving, hospitality, sponsorships and memberships.

- Ensure all Business Units are compliant to local requirements and employees are engaged and follow ABAC processes and procedures.

- Provide input on development, maintenance and update of ABAC policies and procedures.

- Assess adequacy of policies, procedures, and processes related to the Compliance program, and recommend areas for improvement.

- Assist in monitoring external environment and recommend improvements to the Company’s Compliance program based on identified industry best practices and changes in law or regulations.

- Respond to time sensitive compliance related inquiries from the different functions within the Company.

- Advise on the Company’s policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

- Coordinate with other colleagues in Finance, HR, Risk, Business, Internal Audit and Legal to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the compliance program.

- Work cross-functionally with other business teams, such as Legal, Risk, Finance, Safety, IT, HR and Operations.

- Provide leadership and support to the compliance managers and analysts, including coaching, training, and development.

- Implement the Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement Program including facilitating review of the Compliance Program, implementing monitoring mechanisms, reviewing data analytics and facilitating change management practices, providing updated and tabletop exercises. Develop strategies and methods for vigorously measuring and assessing the effectiveness of the compliance program and partner with the Asst. General Counsel - Compliance to report key performance indicators to executive leadership.

- Establish the processes that result in a rhythm of creative integrity communications. Tailor communications that are effective for the Business Units in the US and Internationally to generate engagement and action in close coordination with compliance teams. Serve as a business partner to functional, business unit, and geographic business leaders, helping them achieve their objectives in compliance with the law and ethical business standards.

- Work closely with Risk Management and Compliance to establish a process to mitigate higher risks. Execute a quarterly process that updates the Compliance Committee on the ABAC program progress metrics. Manage compliance investigations framework and lead/support Code of Conduct investigations as appropriate. Support the Company's Internal Audit function in relation to internal and third-party compliance and ethics audits.

- Manage communication of relevant policies, procedures and compliance programs and designing related trainings and training records. Design and roll out employee communications to explain and reinforce management’s commitment to ethical standards and the Code of Conduct.

- Collaborate, implement and monitor legal services in conjunction with IT and project management team in compliance technology solutions.

- Draft presentations and reports regarding progress on team goals and initiatives.

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

Requirements

Education

- J.D. or LL.M from an accredited US law school required.

Experience

- 7+ years of post-qualification experience in general corporate law, commercial transactions and management of compliance programs required.

- Experience at a reputable law firm, in-house counsel or government agency required.

- Experience with the energy industry and local governmental law preferred.

- 3+ years of leading a compliance program or department preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

- Knowledge of the energy industry (specifically the LNG, power, oil or natural gas industry) is desirable.

- Ability to report to executive / senior leadership on the status of the compliance program.

- Able to analyze complex business situations and develop recommendations that meet the company’s legal and business needs.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong analytic ability.

- Knowledge of elements of effective corporate compliance programs.

- Ability to interface effectively with all levels of a complex organization; ability to build excellent working relationships within multiple working groups.

- Detail oriented, proven communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well independently and in a team setting.

- Ability to quickly learn and apply knowledge accurately to various legal situations affecting the Business Unit.

- Self-motivated, high level of personal energy and commitment to serve as a role model for others throughout the compliance function and the business.

- Problem-solver with demonstrated ability to facilitate discussions between all levels and must be comfortable working with entry level staff to senior executives.

- Ability to communicate business goals into contract language and provide commercially minded support to the business teams.

Licenses and Certifications

- Member in good standing of a U.S. State Bar required.

Other Qualifications

- Ability to occasionally travel in the U.S. and Mexico.

- Ability to read and write in Spanish is preferred.