Senior Counsel - Corporate and Commercial Contracts
Motiva Enterprises LLC

Job Info

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At Motiva, our employees' energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees' lives because, at Motiva, our people matter.

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

Position Overview:

Motiva is seeking a dynamic and experienced corporate and commercial contracts attorney to take on a diverse and challenging portfolio of work. As Senior Counsel, you will provide legal support to our logistics teams, including marine, ground logistics, terminals, and pipelines. Additionally, you will support confirmations for marketing and trading of hydrocarbons, benzene and sulfur credits, RINs, and other related agreements. This role is responsible for managing the legal relationship with some of Motiva's most significant commercial relationships.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of complex corporate and commercial contracts. This position reports to the Managing Counsel - Corporate and Commercial Contracts and is based in Houston, Texas. Occasional travel to Port Arthur, Texas, may be required. Please note, this role is open to local candidates only, as relocation is not offered for those outside of 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.
  
• Reviewing, drafting, negotiating 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;
    
  • Product purchase and sale agreements;
    
  • Agreements related to benzene and sulfur credits and RINS;
    
  • Transaction confirmations for marketing and trading hydrocarbons, with a focus on crude, refined products, petrochemicals, and environmental products;
    
  • Energy and industrial gas agreements, including utility contracts;
    
  • Master Agreements, framework agreements, and side letter agreements;
    
  • Intercompany agreements;
    
  • Non-disclosure agreements; and
    
  • Such other commercial agreements as needed from time to time.
    
• Interfacing with various Motiva departments to ensure contracting activities and terms comply with Motiva policies and procedures.
  
• Providing key strategic advice on existing and new customer / partner relationships and business initiatives.
  
• Identifying legal risks, sensitivities and potential problems and proposing constructive, commercially realistic solutions to senior management.
  
• Advising 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:

Required Education and Experience:

• JD from an accredited US law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas.
  
• Minimum eight (8+) years of legal experience in general contract and/or commercial law.
  
• Commercial deal support experience.
  
• Previous experience with logistics contracts.
  
• Attention to detail and time management skills.
  
• Flexibility to work in fast paced, high-energy environment and manage multiple competing priorities within challenging timeframes.
  
• Demonstrable track record as someone who can coordinate with a variety of stakeholders to deliver on business objectives.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills including the ability to interact with all levels of staff and management.
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Competent understanding of trading in energy commodities.
  
• Basic knowledge of laws and regulations related to trade compliance.
  
• Previous energy and oil and gas experience.
  
• Relevant law firm experience.
  

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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