Legal Counsel Jobs

About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realize the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminum, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

Following the acquisition of Arizona Mining, South32 is the new owner of the Hermosa Project, a high-grade zinc, lead and silver development option in Arizona.

South32's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We work closely with their host communities to create enduring social and economic value through local employment, infrastructure and facilities development and community investment programs.

The location of this role is the Tucson, Arizona office.

The Role

The Legal Counsel role is a member of South32’s global Legal and External Affairs team and will provide direct independent legal support and advise to South32’s Hermosa team, Legal sub-teams and the risk function in partnership with the Manager, Legal for business in North America.

Accountabilities (Include but are not limited to):

Individual Accountabilities:

• Maintains relationships with Client Group to act as a key point of contact & provides advice on areas within the accountability of the Legal and External Affairs Team

• Ensures effective engagement with other South32 Legal sub-teams

• Participates in and delivers on South32 Legal projects as required

• Assists in execution of activities to mitigate South32 Material Legal Risks

• Identifies legal risks affecting the Client Group and advises on the management of these risks

• Manages scope, relationships, and delivery of work with external law firms

• Supports the Legal Operations Plan consistent with the South32 Legal Business Plan and delivery against the South32 Legal Business Plan

• Provides input into the development and execution of analysis and improvement activities within the Legal Operations team

• Assist with the implementation of the South32 Legal governance requirements for their areas of accountability

• Reports to the Legal Manager and also dotted line to management team at the Hermosa Project

• Supports Legal Manager’s input into reporting requirements of the Client Group and Legal and External Affairs

• Acts as a legal and risk knowledge management champion

Qualifications, Skills, and Expertise:

• 3-5 years (PAE or PQE)

• Law degree from an accredited U.S. law school

• Currently legally qualified and practicing lawyer in the State of Arizona or having bar reciprocity with Arizona

• Excellent academic credentials, verbal and written communication skills, and information technology skills

• Ability to manage complex legal issues

• English (required) Spanish (preferable, but not required)

• Experience in a US corporate in-house legal department, national corporate law firm, military JAG (commercial/transactions), or State or Federal agency

• Extensive experience with contract negotiation, drafting, and disputes

• Procurement and Supply Chain

• Experience in engaging and liaising with State and Federal agencies

• Ability to manage the engagement and product of outside counsel

• Experience in complex commercial transactions, Land acquisitions and access arrangements, Corporate Governance and Legal Entity Management

• Understanding of State & Federal environmental permitting processes for energy/ resources projects, mining tenure/claims and indigenous claims/rights, Health & Safety law and regulation, including incident response and investigation

• Litigation/Disputes in commercial and regulatory areas

• M&A experience, including cross-border transactions

• US anti-corruption law and regulation - including managing/training as part of internal compliance programs competition law and regulation

• Adaptable to and embraces change; works well with ambiguity. A willingness to travel.

• High achieving, motivated, positive outlook, enthusiastic and performance driven

• Willingness to take responsibility and lead outcomes

• Ability to work autonomously but also works effectively within a team and is a positive contributor to the team

• Demonstrates considerable progress towards developing South32 leadership capabilities and exhibits many behaviors on a consistent basis

Our Culture

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We're focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organization, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.