Senior Counsel Leading Mining Company - Commercial Projects & Supply Chain- French Speaking

We are working on an exciting new opportunity with a listed Mining company in London, who have been hugely successful and are currently looking to expand their legal team in their London office.

You would play a critical role in supporting all mining operations and corporate functions, with a particular focus on projects, operations, supply chain and finance across multiple jurisdictions, primarily in Francophone West Africa. You will be a trusted adviser to the business, delivering commercially focused legal advice and managing legal and regulatory risk in a fast-paced international mining business.

The role involves substantial autonomy, cross-border legal work, and close engagement with senior operational and finance stakeholders on key commercial and operational initiatives. The role will provide direct exposure to operational mining activities and large-scale project development in an international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Projects

• Lead drafting, review and negotiation of complex, high-value commercial agreements, including:
• EPC/EPCM and construction contracts
• Mining services, drilling services, and operational supply contracts (including key consumables)
• Offtake and supply chain, logistics and procurement contracts
• Provide strategic legal advice on major tenders, procurement processes, and large-scale project development initiatives.
• Support contract management, including variations, claims, early-stage disputes, and preparation of legal memoranda.
• Support best practice development in the commercial contract management teams, including the implementation and enhancement of templates, manuals and training.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Qualified lawyer with 8–15 years PQE, ideally gained in a leading international law firm and/or in-house environment.

• Strong experience in mining, natural resources, energy or major infrastructure projects.

• Strong experience advising on complex commercial contracts in an operational or project environment, including procurement processes, major tenders and large-scale services or infrastructure agreements.

• Proven ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, decentralised operating environment.

• Experience negotiating high-value strategic agreements and managing complex stakeholders.

• Experience with cross-border regulatory frameworks (West Africa strongly preferred).

• Strong understanding of corporate and commercial law.

Skills & Attributes

• Fluent in English and French (essential), must have right to work in the UK

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

• Highly autonomous, commercially minded, resilient, adaptable, and capable of navigating complex political and regulatory environments.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Team oriented and collaborative.