Senior Legal Counsel (Infrastructure)

About us:

Established in 2007, CDC Data Centres is Australia's leading operator of sovereign, secure, world-class data centre facilities.

Headquartered in Canberra with multiple facilities in the ACT, NSW and New Zealand, CDC's diversified operations provide secure data centre configurations that support co-location, containerised and hyperscale compute environments with all campuses interconnected with high-speed carrier grade networks.

At CDC we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We believe that everyone's unique experiences enable us to deliver meaningful benefits for our people, our clients and communities. Our mission is to attract, retain and grow the world's best data centre team.

Our people are responsive, innovative and trusted in supporting our customers. Together, we configure the landscape to meet the security, reliability, connectivity and sustainability needs for today and tomorrow.

About the role:

We are looking for a Senior Lawyer to provide legal advice and guidance across the full range of complex digital and energy infrastructure projects, including but not limited to:

contract drafting and negotiation from conception through to completion;

overseeing contract lifecycle management;

contract implementation and administration, including dispute related support post-execution;

The primary responsibility will be to ensure that all infrastructure projects adhere to legal requirements, mitigate risks and resolve disputes effectively. You will be required to provide legal advice and support in a timely, commercially astute, and practical manner in line with CDC's strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

Provide expert legal advice and counsel on all data centre and energy developments, including contracting, regulatory compliance, permits, environmental regulations, and dispute resolution.

Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, energy development contracts, subcontracts, supply agreements, request for tender conditions and other legal documents to protect the interests of CDC and mitigate potential risks.

Ability to provide high quality, high volume practical and commercially/strategically astute advice.

Develop, implement and support training of the Development team on contract administration and management, including standardised templates, process flowcharts and process checklists.

Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with construction projects, including issues related to project delays, payment claims, disputes, and regulatory compliance.

Lead or assist in resolving construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as necessary. Develop strategies to achieve favorable outcomes while minimising legal and financial exposure.

Manage external legal counsel regarding legal advice and dispute management, as required.

Conduct thorough due diligence reviews of construction projects, contracts, and transactions to identify potential legal issues, liabilities, and risks.

Stay abreast of changes in regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance and minimise legal exposure. Provide guidance on navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

Proactively identify opportunities to enhance legal processes, procedures, and best practices. Stay updated on industry trends and emerging legal issues.

Lead, attend and contribute to appropriate team and stakeholder meetings as required and relevant to ensure excellent stakeholder engagement and communication.

Embrace and model CDC's DNA and Leadership Fundamentals.

Other duties as directed from time to time.

About you:

- 7+ years' experience with proven experience in private practice and preferably, some time working in-house.

- Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent and holds a current Australian practising certificate

Experience on large complex infrastructure projects essential.

Strong understanding of construction contracts, complex energy agreements, and relevant legal frameworks

Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.

Extensive experience in legal drafting, commercial negotiation, contract implementation and contentious advisory in the delivery of complex projects.

Ability to ensure that legal professional privilege is maintained wherever required.

Experience in applying legal and regulatory knowledge to protect and enhance commercial interests of the business.

Strong ability to advise, manage and proactively manage (and avoid) claims and disputes

Well-developed analytical and conceptual skills

Strong negotiation skills and the ability to use persuasive strategies within CDC, with counterparties, contractors and with external stakeholders, including suppliers.

Ability to clearly communicate difficult legal concepts to different parts of the business

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence, and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the business and manage competing deadlines.

Essential:

- Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain AGSVA Security Clearance at Negative Vetting 2 level.

How to Apply:

If you are looking to own your career and take on a new challenge in a fast-growing Australian Technology company and be part of our amazing team, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply.