In-House Counsel

Pitch Black Group is a professional services company dedicated to solving complex problems. Our team is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients. We invest time in understanding our clients and stakeholders to tailor solutions that maximise value.Since our inception in 2020, our team has grown rapidly to over 75 full-time engineers, technical officers, and support team members. We pride ourselves on the quality and dedication of our professionals, who provide services to clients across Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, Canada, Macquarie Island, and Mainland Antarctica. We support our clients with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and Specialist services across various industries and sectors. Job Description (Up to 100% work from home) We have a robust pipeline of projects in the design, development, and construction of defence, mining, and land development projects both in Australia and overseas. We are currently seeking a qualified In-house Counsel to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in in-house legal counsel, particularly within the engineering consulting and construction sectors. Candidates from Australia wide locations will be considered. Responsibilities Reporting to the Operations Manager, this position provides general legal counsel to our executive team, operating teams and project managers across a broad range of areas and subject matters. The role will act as the key point of contact to external specialist legal counsel where necessary. Areas and subject matters include but are not limited to: 1. Contract Management and Negotiation Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements, including consulting and construction contracts (consulting, engineering, EPC, EPCM, D&C, JV, etc.), supply agreements, and subcontractor agreements. Develop and implement standardised contract templates and procedures to streamline contract administration. Advise on contract risk, liability, and indemnity provisions and provide guidance to project teams to mitigate exposure. Provide support for tendering processes and bid documentation, ensuring compliance with legal standards and minimising contractual risks. 2. Legal Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Ensure company compliance with relevant regulations, including construction law, engineering standards, health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, employment laws and regulations and local planning and zoning laws. Monitor legal developments in relevant areas and advise the company on regulatory changes that may impact operations. Oversee the company's health, safety, and environmental compliance policies to ensure they meet legal requirements. Provide guidance on compliance with international, federal, and local construction and engineering regulations, including export controls and sanctions where applicable. 3. Corporate Governance and Risk Management Advise on corporate governance issues and ensure the company's policies and practices align with legal and ethical standards. Identify, assess, and manage legal and commercial risks across the company, including but not limited to project execution risks, intellectual property, and employment law. Develop and maintain a risk management framework to assess and mitigate risks related to contractual obligations, regulatory compliance, and litigation. 4. Dispute Resolution and Litigation Manage and oversee disputes, claims, and litigation matters, including liaising with external legal counsel where necessary. Provide proactive guidance to project teams on dispute avoidance strategies. Lead efforts in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, including mediation and arbitration, and represent the company's interests in such proceedings. 5. Intellectual Property (IP) and Confidentiality Management Oversee the protection and management of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Draft and negotiate NDAs and confidentiality agreements with third parties. Provide strategic advice on the acquisition, maintenance, and protection of IP assets to support business growth and innovation. 6. Employment Law and HR Support Advise HR on employment matters, including employment agreements, performance management, termination, and workplace policies. Ensure compliance with employment law and occupational health and safety standards. Support diversity and inclusion initiatives and assist with developing policies that promote a positive and compliant workplace culture. 7. Insurance and Indemnities Assess insurance requirements for various projects and ensure adequate coverage is obtained, including but not limited to public liability, professional indemnity, and project-specific insurances. Review and advise on indemnity and warranty provisions in contracts to ensure appropriate risk allocation. 8. Commercial and Strategic Support Collaborate with the executive team on strategic initiatives, including partnerships and joint ventures. Provide legal and commercial support for financing arrangements, investment activities, and other corporate transactions. Conduct due diligence and support contract negotiations in partnerships, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions. 9. Training and Internal Education Develop and deliver training programs for project managers and other key personnel on legal and commercial topics and issues, including contract management, risk identification, and compliance. Promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness throughout the organisation. 10. General Legal Support and Administration Maintain accurate and organised legal records, including contracts, corporate documents, and compliance materials. Act as a point of contact for all legal inquiries within the company and provide legal support for day-to-day operations. Preferred Skills and Qualifications The successful candidate will possess the following experience and qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Law Qualification : Admission as a lawyer in Queensland or another Australian jurisdiction. Experience: Minimum 6+ years of legal experience, with a strong background in construction or engineering law. In-house experience in the construction, engineering, or infrastructure sector is highly preferred. Skills: Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial law, and regulatory compliance. Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate legal risks and provide practical solutions. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated leadership skills and experience working with cross-functional teams. You will be joining an emerging leading company with a very flexible work-from-home culture. Our aim is to provide engineering services recognised as the best. We are building a reputation through the quality of our engineering, project delivery, and, most importantly, our people and culture. 100% remote work flexibility Opportunity to be part of a pioneering team in a progressive company Work within a supportive, fun, and friendly environment Collaborate with our diverse engineering teams on interesting projects A rapidly growing company that allows continuous learning and growth in skills and responsibilities as the company continues to grow Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have in corporate & commercial law? Have you completed a qualification in law? What's your expected annual base salary? #J-18808-Ljbffr