Legal Counselor / Senior Legal Specialist (Construction & Engineering)

We are seeking an experienced expatriate legal expert well-versed in the Saudi legal system, with profound expertise in construction and engineering law. This role will be responsible for handling the legal affairs of all the company's construction projects in Saudi Arabia, including contract management, risk prevention, dispute resolution, and compliance oversight, providing solid legal support for our business expansion in the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Management & Negotiation

• Draft, review, and amend various construction and engineering contracts (main contracts, subcontracts, procurement contracts, consulting service contracts, etc.).
• Participate in contract negotiations for major projects to identify legal and commercial risks.
• Develop and standardize contract templates to ensure compliance with Saudi legal requirements.

2. Legal Risk Prevention & Control

• Identify, evaluate, and manage legal risks throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Provide legal consultation and training to project teams.
• Formulate and update legal compliance guidelines for the Saudi region.

3. Dispute Resolution

• Handle common construction disputes such as engineering claims, schedule delays, and quality disputes.
• Manage arbitration, litigation, and mediation procedures.
• Collaborate with external law firms to effectively manage dispute resolution costs.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure company operations comply with Saudi laws and regulations, especially those pertaining to the construction industry.
• Track changes in legal policies and provide corresponding strategic advice.
• Handle communications and licensing matters with government authorities.

5. Corporate Governance Support

• Handle legal matters related to company establishment, alteration, and deregistration.
• Assist in managing legal issues related to labor, taxation, customs, etc.

Requirements

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Law or higher.
• Hold a legal practicing qualification recognized in Saudi Arabia or internationally.
• Language Skills:
• Arabic: Native proficiency, with a strong command of legal terminology.
• English: Fluent business communication skills, capable of drafting and reviewing English legal documents.
• Other languages (e.g., Mandarin Chinese) are considered a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience related to Saudi law.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience focusing specifically on construction and engineering law.
• Prior experience in international engineering companies, construction firms, or reputable law firms is highly preferred.
• Professional Knowledge:
• Proficient in Saudi civil law, commercial law, construction law, labor law, and procedural law.
• Familiar with FIDIC contract terms and their localized application in Saudi Arabia.
• Understand Saudi Vision 2030, as well as relevant economic zone and investment regulations.
• Familiar with Saudi arbitration law and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Professional Skills:
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Outstanding negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to handle complex legal issues independently.
• Proficient in using legal research databases and office software.
• Personal Attributes:
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk judgment capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to the fast-paced environment of the construction industry.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.
• Other Requirements:
• Hold a valid Saudi work visa or be eligible to obtain one.
• Willing to travel to project sites as needed.
• Familiar with Saudi business culture and customs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in handling legal matters for large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g., ports, highways, residential buildings, industrial parks).
• Previous employment at major Saudi developers, international EPC contractors, or reputable law firms.
• Familiarity with Islamic finance and the legal frameworks of PPP projects.
• Experience participating in Saudi government mega-projects (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, etc.).

Salary: In person

Work Location: In person