Our Client

Our client is a long-established global industrial group and a recognised leader in the production of premium tubular solutions for the energy sector. Operating for over a century, the company designs and manufactures high-performance seamless tubes primarily serving oil & gas, power generation (including nuclear), and other complex energy markets.

With production facilities and R&D centres across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, the group supports major international projects and key industrial players worldwide. Renowned for its technical excellence, innovation capability, and strong commitment to sustainability, the organisation delivers tailored solutions that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its clients’ operations.

The business operates through multiple international regions, including:

• Middle East, Northern Asia and Southern Asia

• South America

• North America

• Europe

The company also works closely with specialist internal legal teams (compliance & regulatory, corporate finance, intellectual property, etc.) and cross-functional departments such as trade finance, purchasing, marketing, audit, and insurance.

The Brief

Our client is seeking an experienced interim legal professional to join the Legal Operations & M&A Department in a transitional capacity. This role will bridge the gap until a permanent appointment is made, with recruitment expected to commence in March/April upon the return of the Group General Counsel (Executive Committee member).

Purpose of the Role

To support the sustainable development and growth of the group’s activities by ensuring effective risk management across:

• Pre-contractual phases

• Contractual negotiations and execution

• Claims, disputes and litigation

The role is highly international in scope and involves close interaction with regional legal teams, operational stakeholders, and corporate functions worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee responses to calls for tenders and manage deviation requests in line with tender regulations.

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including:

  • Sales and services agreements

  • Integrated project management contracts

  • Subcontracting and purchasing agreements

  • Letters of intent, memoranda of understanding

  • Consortium agreements

  • Corporate and bank guarantees

  • Commercial agency agreements

  • Confidentiality agreements

• Define and implement strategies relating to claims, pre-litigation and litigation matters, including participation in crisis management units.

• Act as the privileged legal point of contact for Key Account Managers and ensure regional coordination of legal aspects across projects.

• Ensure compliance with internal group procedures and risk management policies.

• Contribute to periodic financial and legal reporting.

• Deliver ongoing training to Contract Managers and raise legal awareness among Project Managers, Tendering Teams and Sales Representatives.

• Coordinate and report to senior management and collaborate with cross-functional departments.

• Provide general legal advice to operational and support functions.

• Occasionally coordinate with regional legal teams across the group.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful interim professional will bring strong technical expertise combined with immediate operational capability.

Experience & Technical Skills

• Significant experience within the oil & gas sector (or closely related industrial/construction environments).

• Strong expertise in common law contract law (particularly UK and Texas/US frameworks).

• Demonstrated experience working on complex international projects under regulatory constraints.

• Proven background in contract negotiation, claims management, and dispute resolution.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Fully bilingual, with the ability to work fluently in English.

• Immediately operational and capable of working autonomously.

• Structured, pragmatic thinker with strong analytical skills.

• Ability to adapt quickly in a complex, international environment.

• Creative and solution-oriented approach to risk management.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Collaborative mindset with a hands-on, execution-focused attitude.

• Confident working cross-functionally and across regions.