For one of our clients in the oil&gas industry we are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel (Interim)
Our client is established in 11 countries worldwide and is active in the energy and water sectors. In the Netherlands, they operate as a producer of natural gas and are co-owner and operator of two gas storage facilities.
Our Client is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel Midstream (interim) to act as trusted legal adviser to its gas storage business. The gas storage operations are a critical component of the Dutch energy system and operate in a highly regulated and politically sensitive environment.
You will work closely with colleagues from Operations, Commercial, HSSE, Permitting and Business Development (Energy Transition). The legal team consists of the Head of Legal, two Legal Counsels and an administrative assistant.Our Client their midstream environment is dynamic, intellectually demanding and characterised by a strong sense of personal responsibility and collaboration.
Due to the international nature of our organisation and industry, a substantial part of the work is conducted in English.
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will:
- Act as end‑to‑end legal owner for key regulatory and commercial matters within the gas storage business;
- Advise on legal and regulatory aspects of gas storage operations within the context of the ongoing energy transition;
- Lead and manage the legal and regulatory relationship with relevant authorities and ministries, including active participation in stakeholder meetings arranged by regulators;
- Represent and safeguard our client their position in Dutch and EU gas storage policy development groups.
Responsibilities
- Strategic & Advisory Responsibilities
- Advising senior management on regulatory, commercial and policy developments affecting gas storage activities;
- Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and translating these into clear, actionable advice for the business;
- Contributing to strategic decision‑making in a complex administrative and political environment.
- Transactional & Operational Responsibilities
- Drafting, negotiating and advising on Gas Storage Capacity Agreements and related auctions;
- Drafting and advising on gas storage regulations and frameworks;
- Supporting permitting processes and administrative procedures;
- Managing external legal counsel and (administrative) litigation matters.
- Ensuring appropriate legal documentation and records management in cooperation with the team.
What we search for in you
We’re happy to hear from professionals with a Master's degree in Law and 6/8 years of post‑qualification experience, gained at a top‑tier law firm and/or within the legal department of an international energy or infrastructure company. In this role you'll require both Dutch and English language skills.
We'd like to see as many of the following skills on your CV:
- Proven affinity with the energy sector and the ambition to contribute to its transition;
- Experience with regulated environments; gas storage or broader energy infrastructure experience is a strong advantage;
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to engage confidently with regulators, counterparties and senior internal stakeholders;
- Sound business acumen and a pragmatic mindset;
- Living in the Netherlands.