Senior Commercial Counsel (French speaking)

Overview

We are supporting a leading operator across the natural resources sector on the appointment of a Senior Commercial Counsel.

This is a high-impact role focused on commercial contracting and supply chain operations across international assets, within a fast-paced and commercially driven environment.

The position offers direct exposure to senior stakeholders and core business activities, requiring a lawyer who is commercially astute, resilient and able to navigate complex, high-pressure negotiations.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead on drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial and supply chain contracts, including:
• Procurement and supplier agreements
• Logistics and transportation contracts
• EPC / services agreements (as relevant)
• Act as a key legal partner to procurement, operations and project teams across West Africa
• Provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice in a fast-moving and deadline-driven environment
• Manage negotiations with counterparties across multiple jurisdictions, often under tight timelines and with challenging stakeholders
• Support broader legal and business initiatives as required, working closely with senior leadership
• Ensure contractual arrangements align with internal governance, risk management and compliance frameworks

Candidate Profile

We are keen to speak with lawyers who bring:

Experience

• 5+ PQE E&W Qualified lawyer (or equivalent common law jurisdiction)
• Strong background in commercial contracts / procurement / supply chain
• Experience working in:
• Mining / natural resources, or
• Energy / infrastructure / industrial sectors with complex supply chains
• Exposure to emerging markets, ideally West Africa

Skills & Attributes

• Fluent French (essential) — able to operate confidently in negotiations
• Highly commercial and solutions-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to:
• Navigate robust / demanding personalities
• Maintain professionalism and composure under pressure
• Patient, calm and measured, particularly in challenging negotiations
• Culturally aware and able to operate effectively across international teams

This is a confidential and time-sensitive search, with a preference to move quickly for the right candidate.

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