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Posted May 01, 2024

Senior Counsel 2

Motiva
Houston, TX Full Time
Reference: Motiva3189_1

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva refines, distributes and markets petroleum products throughout the Americas. The companys Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex in Port Arthur, TX, is comprised of North Americas largest refinery with a total throughput of 720,000 barrels per day, the worlds second-largest lubricants plant, and an integrated chemical plant. Under exclusive long-term brand licenses with Shell and Phillips 66 (for the 76 brand), Motivas commercial operations supply more than 12 billion gallons of fuel to customers annually. Motiva is wholly owned by Aramco, one of the worlds largest integrated energy and chemicals companies.

Position Overview:

Motiva is seeking a dynamic Sr. Counsel - Corporate and Commercial Contracts prepared to tackle a spectrum of intricate and demanding tasks. The successful candidate will provide legal support to our logistics teams, encompassing marine, ground logistics, terminals, and pipelines. Additionally, the candidate will facilitate confirmations for marketing and trading hydrocarbons, benzene and sulfur credits, RINS, and other associated agreements. Furthermore, the candidate will guide procurement endeavors linked to corporate activities, Information Security, Information Technology, and Operational Technology. As needed, the candidate may contribute to activities involving Refining, Chemicals, Capital Projects, and/or other functions. Previous legal experience in drafting and negotiating diverse corporate and commercial contracts is essential for this role. Reporting to the Managing Counsel Corporate and Commercial Contracts, this position will be situated in Houston, Texas, with occasional travel to Port Arthur, Texas.

Please note that this role is open to local candidates only, as relocation assistance is not available for candidates residing outside commuting distance.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be accountable for the following:

  • Providing high-level legal support to the Commercial and Operations organizations, as well as corporate functions.

  • Leading the review, drafting, negotiation, and advising in the administration of:

    • Agreements related to land and marine logistics (including truck and rail leases, pipeline throughput, storage, terminal, exchange, marine vessel spot and time charter parties, contracts of affreightment, and master transportation agreements).

    • Joint general terms and conditions

    • Such other commercial agreements as needed from time to time.

    • Non-disclosure agreements; and

    • Intercompany agreements;

    • Agreements related to corporate services, including consulting agreements, subscription agreements, services agreements;

    • Agreements relating to information security, including data processing agreements, services agreements, purchase agreements, and consulting agreements;

    • Agreements related to IT and OT products and services, including SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, subscription agreements, access agreements, cloud agreements, service level agreements, end user license agreements, purchase agreements, and services agreements;

    • Master Agreements, framework agreements, and side letter agreements;

    • Transaction confirmations for marketing and trading hydrocarbons, with a focus on crude, refined products, petrochemicals, and environmental products;

    • Agreements related to benzene and sulfur credits and RINS;

  • Interfacing with various Motiva departments to ensure contracting activities and terms comply with Motiva policies and procedures.

  • Identifying legal risks, sensitivities and potential problems and proposing constructive, commercially realistic solutions to senior management.

  • Working with cross-functional teams to improve processes involving the legal department and contracts, including other support functions including Risk and Insurance, Credit, Finance, Tax, HSSE, Audit, and Legal and Compliance in support of individual projects.

  • Maintaining and improving contract templates, approved responses, and standard procedures regarding contracts.

  • Educating and training clients on relevant legal issues and contracting principles and negotiation.

  • Assisting with statements of work, contract amendments, change orders and vendor disputes.

  • Interfacing regularly with commercial and trading teams and staying apprised of transaction status and any related special conditions.

  • Meeting tight deadlines and working under pressure in a dynamic environment with frequently changing requirements to optimize supply and logistics.

Experience and Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited US law school and licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

  • At least ten (10) years of legal experience specializing in general contract and/or commercial law.

  • Demonstrated success in supporting and facilitating commercial transactions.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and proficient time management abilities.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve business goals.

  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and nurturing relationships across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience managing IT and OT contracts and associated risks.

  • Familiarity with laws and regulations concerning information security and proficiency in drafting data processing agreements.

  • Experience within the downstream oil & gas sector.

We reserve the right to amend or withdraw Motiva jobs at any time, including prior to the closing date. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or grade.

Applicants for regular U.S. positions must be authorized to work in the United States for Motiva Enterprises LLC without the need for sponsorship of an immigration authorization or visa (for example, TN, H-1B, or other employment-based immigration authorization or visa).

Motiva participates in E-Verify.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

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