Senior Legal Counsel - Disputes Focus

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 41,500 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges, including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

ACCIONA is a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy solutions. ACCIONA Agua delivers innovative water and wastewater treatment solutions across Australia and New Zealand. We are now seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel (Disputes Focus) to join our dynamic Legal team and support the continued growth of our operations.


About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Legal, this role provides high‑quality, coordinated legal advice across all functions of ACCIONA Agua's regional operations. The Senior Legal Counsel will take a lead role in managing disputes, providing strategic legal advice, and supporting the business in contract administration, regulatory matters, and project delivery.


Key Responsibilities

Disputes & Claims (Primary Focus)

• Lead downstream and upstream claims across projects, including variations, EOT claims, defects, security of payment matters, and subcontract disputes.
• Negotiate settlements, represent ACCIONA in mediations, and manage external counsel for arbitration and litigation.
• Provide legal support on regulatory incidents, including liaison with regulators and government bodies.
• Manage contentious IR matters and employee-related claims.
• Oversee licensing requirements and support applications for licence renewals (e.g., EPA, Building Licences).
  

General Commercial & Contract Work

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including construction, O&M, supply, subcontracting and joint venture agreements.​

Reporting, Governance & Training

• Coordinate monthly legal reporting through internal systems (e.g., Penelope).
• Assist with internal training programs and departmental process improvements.
• Contribute to governance, policy development, precedent management, and legal knowledge resources.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior lawyers and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Executive Team, Commercial Managers, Project Directors) and external partners, including clients, JV partners, suppliers and regulators.
  

About You

• Current Australian Practicing Certificate.
• 9+ years' legal experience, including at least 6 years specialising in construction, O&M, or infrastructure back‑end matters.
• Strong dispute resolution and claims management expertise.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑growing, fast‑paced environment with an international parent company.
• High attention to detail while maintaining commercial judgement.
• Previous in‑house experience and experience managing direct reports (desirable but not essential).
  

Why ACCIONA?

• Join a global organisation dedicated to sustainable infrastructure.
• Work with a high‑performing, collaborative Legal team.
• Opportunities for growth, development and exposure to complex large‑scale projects.
• Flexible work locations across major Australian cities.