Head of Legal - Energy Trading

Job Description

Overview

A leading global commodities trading and logistics company is seeking a Head of Legal for its U.S. operations. This individual will play a critical leadership role supporting the company’s commodity trading and structured transactions across the Americas. The position will be based in Houston and serve as a key legal and commercial advisor to senior management, traders, and functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal function for the U.S. business, with primary oversight of gas and power trading, and secondary coverage of other traded products including crude, refined products, LNG, and renewables.
• Advise on deal and transaction structuring , balancing commercial objectives with legal, regulatory, and contractual risk management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of trading and transactional agreements, including master trading agreements (NAESB, EEI, ISDA), structured finance arrangements, physical offtake and supply contracts, and related documentation.
• Provide counsel on M&A, joint ventures, project development, and infrastructure transactions tied to the company’s trading activities.
• Collaborate closely with commercial and risk teams to ensure regulatory compliance with FERC, CFTC, and other applicable U.S. energy and financial regulations.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, optimizing legal spend and ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the leadership team , advising on business initiatives, risk mitigation, and governance best practices.
• Mentor and develop in-house legal staff and foster strong cross-functional collaboration across the global organization.

Qualifications