Job Description : What you'll do
The Legal Manager will be responsible for :
- providing strategic legal direction to Executive Heads of business and other senior stakeholders in the commodity trading and shipping businesses, in line with our strategy and values;
- managing a team of talented and experienced lawyers to ensure they are highly motivated and consistently delivering pragmatic advice;
- playing a key role on the Marketing Legal & Compliance leadership team, working closely with the Head of Legal & Compliance and other senior colleagues to ensure the function is a successful and value-accretive business partner;
- managing relationships with key external stakeholders, including law firms.
The ideal candidate must be a credible, senior-level legal professional capable of leading complex transactions and projects across various commodities (e.g. iron ore, copper, nickel), with a sound understanding of commodity shipping. The role requires proactive business partnering and robust stakeholder engagement within a global, fast-paced sales and trading environment.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advice & Risk Management
Provide and oversee comprehensive legal advice on matters involving international trade, sale of goods, shipping, Incoterms, sanctions, sustainability, AML and ABC, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations and governance requirements.Negotiate and draft complex international commodity contracts, including prepays and offtake agreements.Identify and mitigate regulatory, reputational, and legal risks; escalate as necessary and manage external legal counsel cost-effectively.Ensuring understanding and alignment of broader strategy while remaining focused on detail and accuracy.Leadership & Team Management
Directly manage a team of in-house lawyers and legal professionals, including secondees and contractors, fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture aligned to company values.Develop team capabilities through coaching, feedback, and tailored development plans.Contribute to Marketing Legal & Compliance leadership, strategy and culture.Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as a trusted advisor to Executive Heads of business, senior executives and other functions (e.g. tax, treasury, people & organisation, strategy, finance, risk).Represent Legal on key business and governance committees.Maintain effective liaison with external legal providers and regulatory bodies.Strategy & Operations
Support the Head of Legal & Compliance with functional initiatives, budget management, strategic planning and resource allocation.Prepare management information, including board updates and liability reporting.Contribute to the continuous improvement of Group Legal’s systems and frameworks, including knowledge management, reporting, and compliance monitoring.Align team delivery to Group Legal’s standards, policies, and audit requirements.Health, Safety & ESG
Model and enforce health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.Champion initiatives that embed inclusivity, psychological safety, and employee wellbeing.Participate in audits, inspections, and safety culture programs.Qualifications :
What we’re looking for
Qualified Attorney (Common law jurisdiction preferred)Minimum 10 years PQE, with senior-level in house experience (ideally in commodity trading & shipping)Proven leadership in managing legal teamsStrong negotiation and drafting experience, particularly in cross-border commodity trading agreementsFamiliarity with international legal instruments and trading standards (e.g., Incoterms, SCoTA, LME)Strong commercial acumen and ability to connect legal risks to business objectivesExcellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skillsHigh level of integrity, judgment, and discretion in decision-makingProject management and change leadership experienceComfortable working in dynamic, high-pressure environments with global stakeholdersFluent in written and spoken EnglishWillingness to travel internationally as requiredProof of professional registration and good standing