About the job General Counsel – Renewable Energy (Utility-scale) - Sydney, NSWRole SummaryThe General Counsel (GC) will serve as the chief legal advisor to the organisation, overseeing all legal, regulatory, governance, and compliance matters for a rapidly growing renewable energy business. This role is suited to a senior lawyer with10–15 years post‐qualification experienceand extensive expertise inutility‐scale renewable energy projects ,M&A transactions ,power purchase agreements (PPAs), andcapital investment and divestment activities .The GC will lead the legal function, support strategic decision‐making, manage external counsel, and ensure the organisation's interests are protected across all jurisdictions in which it operates.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Legal LeadershipServe as principal legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board. Lead the development and execution of the company's legal strategy aligned with long‐term commercial objectives. Advise on risk management, regulatory developments, and emerging trends in renewable energy markets.2. Project Development & Renewable Energy TransactionsProvide end‐to‐end legal oversight ofutility‐scale solar, wind, battery storage, and hybrid energy projects(development, construction, financing, and operations). Negotiate and draft key project documentation, including EPC, O&M, grid connection, land access, and project financing agreements. Advise on regulatory frameworks relating to energy markets, planning approvals, environmental compliance, and grid integration.3. Mergers & AcquisitionsLead legal execution of corporate M&A transactions including project acquisitions, development platform deals, joint ventures, and corporate restructures. Conduct, manage, and review complex due‐diligence processes on project assets and corporate entities. Advise on transaction structuring, risk allocation, shareholder arrangements, and post‐completion integration.4. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) & Revenue ContractsNegotiate, structure, and draftcorporate, utility, and government PPAsfor renewable and storage projects. Advise on merchant exposure, offtake structures, hedging mechanisms, and market pricing dynamics. Support origination teams in evaluating commercial and risk implications of offtake opportunities.5. Investment, Divestment & Capital MarketsLead legal aspects of project and portfolioinvestment, divestment, and refinancing activities. Manage investor negotiations, data rooms, term sheets, and project equity arrangements. Provide advice on corporate governance, capital raising, shareholder agreements, and financing structures.6. Corporate Governance & ComplianceOversee company secretarial functions, board governance, compliance frameworks, and regulatory reporting. Ensure compliance with energy regulators, environmental authorities, corporate legislation, and market rules. Develop and implement policies covering privacy, competition law, procurement, ESG, and risk management.7. External Counsel & Stakeholder ManagementManage relationships with law firms and specialist advisors across multiple jurisdictions. Act as the organisation's legal representative when engaging with regulators, government bodies, and commercial partners. Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal and compliance matters.Skills & ExperienceEssential10–15 years PQEwithin a reputable law firm and/or in‐house legal role. Deep experience inrenewable energy projects, ideally across multiple asset classes (solar, wind, BESS, hydrogen). Proven track record inM&A, project financing,PPAs, and large‐scale infrastructure transactions. Strong understanding of energy regulatory frameworks, approvals processes, and market structures. Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and commercial advisory skills. Demonstrated ability to work at executive level and influence senior stakeholders.DesirableInternational renewable energy experience. Prior leadership of a legal function or high‐performing legal team. Experience in ESG, sustainability regulations, and climate‐related disclosures. Familiarity with corporate governance in high‐growth or investor‐backed companies.Personal AttributesCommercially minded with strong business acumen. Strategic thinker who can balance legal risk with business objectives. Collaborative, approachable, and proactive in problem‐solving. High integrity, resilience, and sound judgment. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‐paced environment.#J-18808-Ljbffr