Senior Legal Counsel - International Procurement & Business Law (M/F)

Mission

Within the Corporate – Business Law team, the Senior International Procurement & Business Law Counsel supports the Procurement Department and operational teams in ensuring the legal security of their procurement activities in France and internationally.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development, updating and deployment of Colas Rail Group contractual standards, particularly for major international projects.

Main Responsibilities

Legal support for procurement activities

• • Draft, review, negotiate and approve procurement framework agreements.
  • Support Procurement teams during supplier consultations and negotiations.
  • Identify legal and contractual risks and propose appropriate solutions.
  • Assist teams with the performance of procurement contracts, claims and disputes.

Business law

• • Draft and negotiate various types of commercial agreements, including framework agreements, services agreements, IT and SaaS agreements, licence agreements, non-disclosure agreements, partnerships, leases and maintenance agreements.
  • Advise head-office departments on business law and contract law matters.
  • Manage pre-litigation and litigation proceedings, coordinating with external counsel when necessary.

Group Contractual Governance

• • Develop, maintain and update the Group’s contractual templates and negotiation guidelines.
  • Ensure consistency in contractual practices across Colas Rail entities.
  • Lead the deployment of Group contractual templates within business units and major international projects.
  • Train and raise awareness among teams regarding contractual standards and best negotiation practices.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of contract management tools and processes.

Personal Data Protection

• • Participate in the review of clauses relating to personal data protection.
  • Support teams on GDPR-related matters.

Profile

Education

• • Master’s degree in Business Law, Contract Law or an equivalent qualification in French or English law.
  • CAPA qualification (French admission to the Bar) or equivalent would be an advantage.

Experience

• • At least seven years’ experience in business law and commercial contracts, including significant experience with international contracts.

Skills

• • Excellent knowledge of contract law and business law.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural and international environment.
  • Excellent drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
  • Pragmatic, autonomous and solution-oriented approach.

Languages

• • A full professional / bilingual proficiency level in English is a must.
  • French with a professional working level is essential.
  • Ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts in both French and English.