US Construction Project Counsel - Energy -(M&F UK

Role Overview

US CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COUNSEL – ENERGY

PERMANENT ROLE

Morgan Philips Specialist Recruitment is presently representing a multinational, world leading service company operating within the energy industry in their search for a US Construction Project Counsel.

This is a primarily remote position although the successful candidate will be required to be present on our client’s operational site in Eunice, New Mexico for an average of 5 working days per month.

Reporting to the Head of Legal based in the UK, this role requires a high calibre legal professional with strong construction and project experience. Our client is undertaking a capacity expansion program at its site in Eunice, New Mexico, in the US and the post holder will support these activities as part of the Group Legal team.

This will include acting as project counsel in relation to the US capacity expansion project, including advising on project and contract structuring, and risk management throughout the lifecycle of the construction project. The candidate will be responsible for supporting certain tender activities, drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts, including FEED, EPC and EPCM, and managing contentious and non-project matters. The US Legal Counsel will work closely with the company Projects Team, the US Commercial Legal Counsel in New Mexico, and key stakeholders to provide timely advice and guidance on relevant matters.

The right candidate is technically excellent, will excel at understanding and summarising complicated subjects, and enjoys working on new challenges. The role requires an experienced and commercially astute individual with a solid construction project law background who will be member of Group Legal. As a hands-on and trusted advisor, the successful candidate will excel in participating in a high performing team and demonstrate a collaborative and inclusive style.

• Provide strategic legal advice for US construction and capacity expansion activities, including:
• Advise on project delivery models (EPC, EPCM, Design‑Build, Professional Services).
• Draft, review, and negotiate major project agreements, amendments, purchase orders, and related commercial instruments.
• Provide legal input on project governance, decision‑making frameworks, and risk registers.
• Advise on day‑to‑day construction issues, including delays, change orders, claims, site access, safety, and contractor performance.
• Support dispute management, including early negotiation, mediation, claims preparation/defense, and outside counsel coordination when needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to construction, safety, labor, permitting, and environmental obligations to safeguard the business and support decision making.
• Provide timely professional advice, challenge and guidance in respect of construction risks to safeguard company interests and support delivery of US capacity expansion objectives
• Become a trusted advisor to US Projects, the New Mexico site and other key stakeholders in respect of construction matters.
• Be an active part of a high performing, respected legal team delivering added value legal services, advice and guidance to the Group to enhance and protect the interest of the business.
• Produce accurate and timely legal reports to the Head of Legal.

• US qualified lawyer with significant experience of construction law matters
• High level of technical capability.
• An excellent understanding of construction contracts.
• Experience acting as Project Counsel for large, complex construction projects
• Good understanding of contract law in multinational jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of capital intensive industries.
• Knowledge and experience in regulated industries with emphasis on technology and energy.
• Technical and practical knowledge of legal services in an international setting beneficial.