Senior Legal Counsel - CopperString 2032

CPB Contractors have been awarded the early works contract to support Powerlink’s delivery of CopperString 2032. This $5 billion iconic project will be approximately 840 kilometres of new transmission line running from just south of Townsville to Mount Isa that will connect Queensland’s Northwest Minerals Province to the national electricity grid.

The project scope includes:

• 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from just south of Townsville to Hughenden
• 330kV transmission line from Hughenden to Cloncurry
• 220kV transmission line from Cloncurry to Mount Isa
• Up to six new substation sites
• Six workforce accommodation and facilities (WAFs) (200-400pax)
• Extensive road upgrades, access tracks, waterway crossings and the like to facilitate the construction of the transmission line.

This exciting project has commenced construction, and we are currently looking for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join the team based in Bowen Hills, Brisbane.

This high-profile project is at the forefront of the national energy transition and offers the unique opportunity to work with a leading Tier 1 contractor renowned for delivering complex and innovative infrastructure solutions. As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will be responsible for managing all legal aspects of the project from inception through to completion, working within the project team to support delivery for our customer on time, within budget, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. 

What will a day in this role look like:

• Provide legal advice in relation to project and construction delivery, with a deep understanding of construction law & its nuances, project development and delivery intricacies, governance protocols and approvals and regulatory landscapes.
• Manage and mitigate commercial and legal risk while ensuring you are meeting internal and external customer requirements including timeliness, practicality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of regulatory, legislative, litigation and commercial developments, provide insights on significant matters and advise on how to maintain industry best practice. 
• Liaise with senior leaders, managers, employees within the project and parent companies and external contacts such as the customer, subcontractors, suppliers, and local government bodies. 
• Provide commercially relevant advice and support to our teams in the formation, review and closing of contracts for all downstream supply and subcontracts ranging from the very large to the very small. 
• Drafting and developing contracts and operational delivery strategies that address project risks.
• Support the resolution of contractual issues that arise on projects during delivery.
• Negotiating contract amendments with suppliers, subcontractors, clients, joint venture partners and external lawyers.
• Supporting the commercial and operational teams in upstream and downstream strategy, formation, and development.  
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What are we looking for you to bring to the team:

• Bachelor of Law (LLB or equivalent), qualified to practice as a solicitor in an Australian jurisdiction. 
• Minimum of 8+ years of post-qualification experience in construction law, with a strong background in delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. 
• Proven expertise in managing complex construction contracts, including lump sum, design & construct, supply and procurement contracts.
• Ability to identify risks and offer practical solutions to mitigate risks.
• Strong commercial understanding of the construction industry and energy sector. 
• Experience in managing formal and informal dispute resolution, including adjudication, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and litigation. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills, with the ability to engage with senior stakeholders, local and regional stakeholders. 

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.  

For a strictly confidential discussion please contact Jen Smith on

0432 481 591 or via email Jennifer.smith@cpbcon.com.au

What we offer:

• A rewarding career where we support your development, training and promote from within.
• Opportunities across all construction sectors so that there is always an opportunity suitable for the next stage in your career.
• Competitive remuneration and excellent benefits including a health and wellbeing program, discount portal and company-funded salary continuance insurance.
• Flexible work arrangements and a culture that values diversity and innovation.

About us:

The UGL and CPB Contractors JV for the CopperString 2032 Project brings together the expertise and large project experience of both companies.  Both UGL and CPB Contractors are leading and respected organisations across engineering, construction, and maintenance services. We are a member of the CIMIC Group of companies.  We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, Veterans and active-duty armed forces, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds. CPB Contractors is proud to hold the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Citation - Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Opportunities on this project are being sourced directly and we will not accept applications via external recruitment agencies.