VP Deputy General Counsel
About Us
South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow.
At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights.
Position Summary
The VP and Deputy General Counsel, Commercial Transactions (“DGC”) is responsible for commercial transactions and certain transformative business initiatives of the Company and will lead all major commercial transactions facing the company (excepting mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions). In this role, the DGC will be a principal legal officer serving as a key advisor to the Chief Legal Officer (“CLO”) and Senior Executive Team, with respect to such matters. The DGC will be directly involved in the development, negotiation and execution of complex strategic business ventures and related transactions and negotiating critical agreements of high value to the Company. Such transactions may include intellectual property, real estate, procurement, transactional controls, and insurance matters as well as matters facing our wholesale trading business, non-utility operations, and sophisticated construction and development agreements will also be serviced by this DGC. The DGC will have either direct or indirect responsibility for managing a team of legal professionals as well as playing a key role in championing legal change across multiple business functions.Essential Functions:
- Act as principal advisor to the CLO and Senior Executive Team on legal issues related to commercial transactions, as well as matters facing the wholesale trading and non-utility business units.
- Support the CLO and Senior Executive Team by providing legal counsel in driving strategies and initiatives to achieve objectives, including matters under the Portfolio of Initiatives.
- Support all other definitive agreements facing the enterprise to include all commercial agreements that do not proceed through the strategic transactions and M&A practice group.
- Drive all Intellectual property, real estate, construction, procurement contracting, and insurance related transactional matters.
- Oversee the legal advisor related to Labor Relations, Employment Law, and provide supporting expertise in mitigation of risk in Human Capital.
- Ensure the legal rights of the Company are protected, its legal obligations and potential exposures and risks are well defined and understood by management, and that the Company complies with applicable laws and regulations.
- Provide leadership and direct the activities of the legal department as needed.
- Establish legal policy, processes, and advises management on legal issues.
- Develop and communicate company legal practices and policies.
- Determine strategy for in-house and external legal support.
- Manage and supervise outside counsel within budgetary constraints.
- Coordinate with other legal practice areas as necessary.
Required Skills:
- Fifteen or more years of professional experience and preferably as a general counsel, deputy general counsel or assistant general counsel.
- Strong transactional, general business and commercial law experience and/or corporate law experience preferred. Energy industry experience or regulated company experience with combined in-house and law firm background preferred.
- Excellent legal and business judgment; strong business acumen with the ability integrate legal and business issues.
- Experience in partnering effectively with business unit leaders, senior staff officers and Boards.
- Demonstrated litigation management and/or transactional legal skills.
- Excellent organizational, planning, analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent leadership skills; leads by example with the ability to work effectively across the organization.
- Actively promotes and supports diversity.
- Confident and self-aware with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. A high impact presence; capable of quickly establishing credibility, influencing constituencies, and persuading professional at all levels.
Preferred Skills:
- Strong transactional, general business and commercial law experience and/or corporate law experience preferred. Energy industry experience or regulated company experience with combined in-house and law firm background preferred.
Qualifications
Required Background:
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited university law school and currently licensed and in good standing with New Jersey Bar or actively admitted in another U.S. jurisdiction.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, or;
- Master’s degree with 12 years of relevant experience.
- In addition, a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience is required.
- Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Explore the Possibilities
South Jersey Industries employs a diverse range of talent – from construction contractors to environmental specialists. Regardless of the position, mentoring and networking, hands-on experience, gaining industry knowledge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our business and in our communities are all exciting ways that we welcome our employees at SJI. And as a company committed to creating an engaging culture built on inclusion and diversity, you’re sure to find an opportunity that makes you feel included, empowered, and ready to “bring your whole self to work” every day.
Benefits Package Overview
SJI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
The SJI “Total Rewards” Benefits Package include:
- Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
- 401(k), with generous company match
- Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship.
Average salary estimate
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Welcome to South Jersey Industries (SJI), where we are on a mission to provide clean energy solutions to over 700,000 customers in New Jersey! As the VP Deputy General Counsel, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our commercial transactions and transformative business initiatives. This position is all about leading major transactions (minus the mergers and acquisitions) and serving as a trusted advisor to our Chief Legal Officer and Senior Executive Team. You will dive into developing, negotiating, and executing complex agreements that matter – from intellectual property and real estate to procurement and insurance matters. You’ll also oversee transactions for our wholesale trading business as well as guide your team of legal professionals to drive innovation and change. With over 15 years of experience in business and commercial law, ideally in the energy sector, you’ll bring your strong judgment and leadership skills to the forefront. Your proactive approach will ensure SJI’s legal rights and obligations are safeguarded while helping to steer our strategic initiatives for a sustainable future. If you thrive in a collaborative environment where your voice matters and you’re looking to embark on a rewarding journey with an inclusive culture, we want you at SJI! Join us and contribute to a better tomorrow, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities.
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