BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to deliver market-leading projects.
Our experience spans the development, delivery, and operation of major energy storage projects, working alongside best-in-class developers, suppliers, contractors, and financial institutions. Through greenfield origination and development partnerships, BW ESS has grown a pipeline of more than 540MWh of operating BESS projects, with ~11GWh under / pre-construction and a development pipeline of about 8GW across the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain and Sweden. As an active investor with development exposure, BW ESS has a strategy to hold assets for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle.
Part of BW Group, BW ESS is able to leverage decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery and operation – and the scale and connections needed to move the needle in global energy storage.
Position Overview The Senior Legal Counsel will play a critical role in BW ESS’s Australian business, acting as the principal legal advisor and risk owner across strategy, project development, transactions, operations, and governance.
This role is scoped at a senior level, but the exact title may vary depending on the experience and profile of the successful candidate.
Key Responsibilities Stakeholder Management & Leadership
Influence and develop Australian business strategy as part of Australian management team
Act as the primary legal risk owner for BW ESS in Australia, responsible for identifying, assessing and managing legal and regulatory risks, and escalating material issues to the General Counsel and Senior Management Team
Collaborate with the General Counsel and BW Group global legal teams to ensure alignment with group standards, policies and best practices
Develop and manage external counsel strategy, including selection, budgeting, performance management and efficient allocation of work
Project Development, New Transactions and Financings
Act as the legal lead for BW ESS’s Australian business across all stages of BESS project development, from site acquisition and feasibility through to final investment decisions and construction
Oversee the negotiation of key project documentation including land access, grid connection, BESS supply, EPC, LTSA and revenue offtake agreements, as well as related project documentation
Support wider BW ESS teams on acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures including transaction structuring, due diligence and negotiation of transaction documentation (including SPAs, SHAs and development services agreements)
Oversee legal matters relating to project/holdco financings, including structuring and negotiation of finance documents and coordination with legal counsel, in close partnership with the BW ESS finance team
Develop legal strategy in relation to FIRB and other foreign investment, regulatory and critical infrastructure approvals, including engagement with regulators and advisors
Asset Management & Operations
Oversee legal and contractual matters relating to existing operational assets, including contract lifecycle management, amendments, performance issues and dispute resolution
Advise on operational compliance obligations and interface with key counterparties including contractors, operators and offtakers
Governance, Compliance & Other
Oversee delivery of corporate legal support to the General Counsel and wider BW ESS business, including governance, group structuring and overseeing company secretarial matters
Monitor and advise on relevant legislative, regulatory and market developments impacting the energy storage sector and broader energy markets
Lead and support the implementation of compliance, ESG and internal policy frameworks in Australian, in coordination with the General Counsel
Draft and/or oversee development of standard form documentation and internal precedents across BW ESS
Key Requirements
Qualified solicitor in Australia
At least 10 years of experience in a top-tier law firm or in-house role within the renewable energy sector, preferably with multi-jurisdictional experience
Strong understanding of project development, construction and revenue offtake contracts is required; broader experience of M&A, partnership and project financing documentation is desirable
Demonstrated ability to review, draft, and negotiate complex commercial agreements
Commercial mindset and the ability to work autonomously and manage multiple transactions and portfolio matters in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Confident in dealing with senior counterparties
Excellent written and verbal communication negotiation skills
Enthusiastic, collaborative and proactive attitude
Why Join BW ESS
Join a high-growth global organisation at the forefront of the energy transition
Work across diverse and impactful projects that support Australia's renewable energy future
Collaborate with an experienced, multidisciplinary team in a supportive and agile environment
Competitive remuneration, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development
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