Corporate counsel

Why explore An opportunity to work in a world-class organization Gain exposure across our global commercial and marine businesses Work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment Based in Singapore, a global commercial hub for Rio Tinto About the role We are looking for a Corporate Counsel - Commercial with significant expertise in shipping law, who will also support commodities sales and trading. This role is critical for providing legal advice and support to Rio Tinto’s shipping operations and commercial functions. You will work closely with our marine team, supporting global shipping activities, and advising on commodities matters in line with Rio Tinto’s objectives to provide the materials the world needs. This role offers the opportunity to manage legal issues that arise in the intersection of global shipping and commodities trading. Working within the Commercial Legal team, you will: Shipping & Commodities Shipping Legal Support Lead negotiations and advise on shipping-related contracts, including charter parties (both time and voyage charters), contracts of affreightment, and shipping-related service agreements. Advise on laytime, demurrage, and freight disputes. Provide counsel on marine casualty events and incidents, including marine insurance claims and liabilities. Manage and resolve marine disputes, such as cargo claims, charter party breaches, and arbitration/litigation in shipping matters. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations in shipping, including advising on decarbonization efforts, fuel compliance, and sustainability initiatives within Rio Tinto’s marine operations. Support vessel acquisition and sale & purchase transactions, including negotiation of shipbuilding contracts and associated financing. Handle regulatory compliance for shipping activities, ensuring Rio Tinto meets international and local shipping regulations. Commodities Legal Support Negotiate and draft commodity sales contracts, working alongside the commodities team to address operational and trade issues. Provide advice on commodities-related disputes, including force majeure, sanctions, trade finance, and geopolitical risks affecting shipping and commodity transactions. Advise on letters of credit, bills of lading, and other documents integral to the commodities supply chain. Support digitalization, decarbonization, and integrated trading initiatives related to commodities trading, working closely with teams across Rio Tinto’s business. General Provide timely and commercially pragmatic legal advice on shipping and commodity matters, balancing legal risk with business needs. Proactively manage the legal aspects of charter party disputes, cargo claims, and other operational risks arising from shipping and commodities transactions. Maintain awareness of developments in international shipping regulations and commodity trading laws, anticipating potential impacts on Rio Tinto’s business. Foster collaboration across Rio Tinto’s marine and trading teams, acting as legal contact for both shipping operations and commodity sales. Liaise with other members of Rio Tinto Legal, Ethics & Compliance, subject matter experts, and members of Rio Tinto’s commercial operations to promote and apply best legal practices. Drive a culture of commercial entrepreneurialism whilst balancing risk for the business. Review and update standard terms and conditions, ensuring that shipping and commodity contracts comply with best practices and regulatory requirements. Manage external counsel, particularly in shipping arbitration, litigation, and commercial disputes. About you To be successfully considered for this role, you will have: At least 10+ years of post-qualification experience within a global corporation and/or major international law firm. Strong shipping law experience, including in charter party disputes, cargo claims, and marine insurance claims. Experience in corporate law will be viewed favorably. Good plain English drafting skills honed in a major law firm. Strong leadership, communication, and time management skills. A friendly and approachable manner with a demonstrated ability to develop strong commercial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated leadership skills, as well as the capacity for strategic decision-making and managing portfolios independently. Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders. Qualification under one or more of the laws of Singapore, England & Wales, or Australia. It will also be beneficial if you have: Significant experience with commodity sales and trading in a major mining, oil and gas, or commodity trading company or commodities practice of a law firm. What we offer A work environment where safety is always the number one priority. A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto. A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive program. Comprehensive medical benefits including health insurance for employees and immediate family. Attractive share ownership plan. Company provided insurance cover. Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions. Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave). Where you will be working Rio Tinto Legal is responsible for providing legal services to the highest standard to the Rio Tinto Group, including corporate headquarters, operating business units, and service divisions. It also provides policy development and advice in legal matters which are within its core competencies. Rio Tinto Legal seeks to operate in a collaborative manner globally and within regions in order to share knowledge and best practice and achieve a consistent approach amongst the Group’s lawyers. About us As pioneers in mining and metals, we produce materials essential to human progress. Our long history is filled with firsts. We’ve developed some of the world’s largest and best-quality mines and operations, and our people work in around 35 countries across six continents. Aluminium and copper, diamonds, gold and industrial minerals, iron ore, coal, and uranium: our materials make up the world around us. You’ll find them in smartphones, planes, cars, hospitals, and throughout your home. Creating an inclusive and diverse workforce We are a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic individuals who foster a culture of inclusion. No matter how they may differ, our people share one thing in common. It’s a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it’s this contribution that makes for a great organization and a fulfilling career. Application Deadline: 1 November 2024 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings prior to the stated closing date) Please note, in order to be successfully considered for this role you must complete all pre-screening questions. Rio Tinto does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles from recruiters or employment agencies. Rio Tinto will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles. Rio Tinto reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. #J-18808-Ljbffr