Senior Legal Counsel - International Operations

About Woodside

We know great results come from our people feeling valued, getting the support they need to reach their full potential as well as bring their whole self to work. We also recognise that enduring, meaningful relationships with communities are fundamental to maintaining our licence to operate.

Technology and innovation are essential to our long-term sustainability. We are growing our carbon and new energy businesses using technology to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint of our products. We are working to improving energy efficiency, offset emissions, reduce emissions intensity and explore options for lower-carbon energy. Woodside led the development of the LNG industry in Australia and is applying this same pioneering spirit to solving future energy challenges.

About the Role

• The Senior Legal Counsel – International Operations will join the Houston-based legal team to provide strategic legal and commercial advice to Woodside’s international operations and major project activities.
• The role will act as the primary legal advisor and focal point for the Beaumont New Ammonia Project (BNA), supporting the project through development, contracting, construction, and operations. The position will partner closely with business unit leadership, commercial, contracting, finance, and operations teams to manage legal risk and support the successful delivery of a large-scale energy transition project and the introduction of a new commodity into the Woodside International Business portfolio.
• This position reports to the Managing Counsel, Legal.
• This role is based in Houston, Texas and may require occasional domestic travel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead legal focal point for BNA, providing strategic legal advice to business unit leadership across project governance activities, development and operations, including design and construction arrangements, long-term supply and offtake agreements, feedstock agreements for ammonia production, utilities agreements, infrastructure and services agreements and other commercial arrangements supporting BNA.
• Negotiate and draft agreements in support of the above, leading transactions for legal and working closely with commercial and procurement teams to ensure appropriate allocation of legal and commercial risk.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across business unit, commercial, finance, and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor and key point of contact for legal matters relating to BNA.
• Engage with business unit leadership to identify and stay ahead of emerging business and legal risks and proactively identify pragmatic solutions.
• Support project structuring, commercial arrangements and negotiations with suppliers, contractors, and strategic partners.
• Ensure all agreements are negotiated and executed in accordance with Woodside governance processes, delegations of authority, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Management of external counsel to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of legal services.

Skills and Experience

• Practicing law with minimum 8 years of experience, ideally combining major law firm and/or in-house legal experience within the energy, infrastructure, chemicals, or industrial sectors.

• Strong experience supporting major capital projects, including development and construction of large-scale infrastructure or energy projects.
• Deep transactional legal experience, with strong commercial acumen and legal judgment.
• Experience negotiating, drafting and managing contracts.
• Excellent oral and written communication; ability to provide concise, practical advice.
• Responsibility for budget/cost center management.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player who works effectively with others at all levels and in all disciplines in a team environment who is also capable of working autonomously and managing their own workflow effectively.

• Licensed to practice law in the United States (Texas preferred but not essential).
• Residence in Houston with right to work in the United States.

Recognition and Reward

What you can expect from us:

• Commitment to your ongoing development, including on-the-job opportunities, formal programs and coaching
• Industry-leading 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary carer, and maintenance of superannuation or retirement benefits at the current rate during any period of unpaid parental leave for up to 24 months (plus secondary carer leave entitlements)
• Values led culture with a focus on creating a psychologically and physically safe work environment
• Active employee-led working groups driving initiatives to build an inclusive culture
• Community volunteering opportunities
• Relocation assistance (if required)
• A competitive remuneration package featuring performance-based incentives

Woodside is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, which is supported by our Values. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a truly diverse and high-performing workforce. 

Diversity encompasses various differences, including but not limited to differences in age, nationality, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, intersex status, gender identity or expression, relationship status, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, cultural background, thinking styles, experience, family background, including caregiving commitments, and education. Inclusion centres on all employees creating a climate of respect, trust and belonging, where people feel enabled to be their best and authentic version of themself.

We offer supportive pathways for all employees to grow and develop leadership skills. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples and those seeking a more flexible working environment, including part-time opportunities.

Applications close at 11:59pm CST on April 2, 2026

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Please note Woodside Energy will only accept direct candidate applications. We do not accept applications from Recruitment Agencies.