Legal Counsel International Projects
Key Skills
Job Description
THE POSITION As (Senior) Legal Counsel International Projects , you are a trusted legal adviser to our tendering, operations, project, procurement and logistics teams. You provide pragmatic, commercially sound legal advice throughout the lifecycle of international offshore construction projects. You will work on a broad range of construction, transportation, installation and maritime service contracts, while contributing to the successful delivery of projects in a complex and dynamic offshore environment. YOUR IMPACT Advise on contracts and risk allocation Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of offshore construction contracts, including bespoke agreements, FIDIC and LOGIC standard forms, transport & installation contracts and offshore support, maintenance and repair agreements. You advise on contractual risk allocation, including weather exposure, delays and complex maritime operations. Support projects and commercial teams Act as a trusted legal partner to tendering, project, operations, procurement and logistics teams, translating complex legal issues into clear, practical and commercially viable solutions. Advise on insurance, safety and environmental matters Provide general legal guidance, in close cooperation with our insurance department, on construction-related insurance matters including CAR, P&I, Hull & Machinery (H&M) and offshore project insurance. You also advise on offshore safety and environmental regulatory frameworks relevant to marine construction, transport, installation, maintenance and repair activities. Manage claims and disputes Proactively support project-related claims and disputes, helping determine the right strategy to achieve successful outcomes while protecting Van Oord's commercial interests and maintaining key business relationships. About You You are a qualified construction lawyer who combines strong technical expertise with a pragmatic and commercial mindset. You are comfortable working in an international, high-risk and time-critical environment and can effectively advise stakeholders at different levels of the organisation. Construction law expertise You have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience and solid experience in construction law. A UK or common law background is preferred. Offshore and maritime experience Experience in the maritime, offshore energy or offshore construction sector is highly valued. You understand the contractual and operational realities of working with vessels and complex marine operations. Contracting and negotiation skills You have experience with major contract forms used in the offshore construction sector, including FIDIC and LOGIC, and are confident drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Commercial and strategic mindset You combine strong legal knowledge with excellent commercial awareness. You are decisive, solution-oriented and able to remain calm and effective when dealing with high-risk or time-critical situations. Strong communicator and team player You have excellent written and spoken English communication skills and work effectively with diverse stakeholders. You demonstrate strong critical thinking, self-awareness and the ability to constructively challenge and debate within project and tender teams. WE OFFER A salary that matches your responsibilities and experience Attractive travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and home working allowance (€2.45 per day) 32 holidays (of which a maximum of 7 are collective) Variable bonus, partly dependent on company results Attractive pension scheme Option for collective health insurance (Van Oord pays for your supplementary package) Extensive development opportunities, including a comprehensive online academy via Goodhabitz Communities to join, such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women, and the Van Oord staff association Various events and sports activities, such as skiing, sailing weekends, cycling, and motorcycling tours
Core Responsibilities
Advise tendering, project, operations, procurement, and logistics teams on offshore construction contracts, risk allocation, insurance, and relevant safety and environmental regulations. Support project-related claims and disputes by developing strategies that protect commercial interests and business relationships.
Requirements
Applicants must be qualified construction lawyers with at least four years of post-qualification experience and experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, including FIDIC and LOGIC forms. Offshore or maritime sector experience and a UK or common law background are preferred, along with strong commercial judgment, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
Benefits
- Travel Allowance
- Home Working Allowance
- Paid Holidays
- Variable Bonus
- Pension Scheme
- Collective Health Insurance
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Communities
- Company Events
- Sports Activities
About Van Oord
Industry: Civil Engineering
Company size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Van Oord is a leading international marine contractor focusing on dredging, infrastructure and offshore energy projects. We are an innovative partner for our clients and, for over 155 years, have been helping to create the infrastructure for the world of tomorrow. The growing world population needs more space and the demand for energy is rising constantly. Increasing world trade requires more and better port facilities and climate change is threatening coastal areas. Van Oord provides innovative solutions for these worldwide maritime challenges, both now and in the future. Van Oord is Dutch family-owned company, which is characterized by visible leadership, long-term vision and a sound financial position. Substantial investments in people and equipment are made with great care to ensure the continuity of our business. Our staff are committed, entrepreneurial professionals who are passionate about water and technology. They know the importance of cooperation in achieving the best possible result. By being open and honest, they build on mutual trust and respect. Marine ingenuity is what sets Van Oord apart. In just two words, we show in the clearest possible terms what we do, how we do it, and what makes us different. A passionate, smart, shrewd, international marine contractor – that is how we see ourselves. Van Oord believes in One Team, worldwide.