Group Legal Counsel – HES International B.V.

Our Client

HES International (HES) is Europe’s largest group multi-purpose bulk terminal operator. The company holds a unique independent position in the supply chain of bulk goods providing first class access to Europe’s deep draft terminals and seamlessly connecting these with inland distribution networks via pipeline, barge, truck and train.

HES is at the forefront of the energy transition, actively driving innovation and sustainability in the new-energies domain and pursuing the diversification of the bulk commodities that it stores and handles for her customers. The company is not just talking about the future, it is building it with a clear and exciting sustainability ambition through realizing tangible projects (e.g., sustainable construction material, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, biofuels, and various projects in repurposing thermal coal storage space). For more information visit: Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability | HES International.

HES was founded in 1908 and continues to contribute to the world of tomorrow, in line with its company values (Commit to Safety, Strive for Excellence, Operate Responsibly & Perform as One) and their ever-growing innovation capacity make HES a partner of choice for their international client base.

On behalf of HES we seek to recruit an ambitious and hands-on Group Legal Counsel that is able to work independently.

The Position

The agile Legal & Compliance team, which currently consists of the General Counsel, a Group Legal Counsel and a Legal & Compliance Support Officer, is responsible for the optimal Legal position for HES Group in a broad range of legal and compliance areas, ranging from commercial contracting to M&A, corporate matters and litigation, including managing support on legal and compliance issues for all operating companies (terminals).

The Group Legal Counsel will be able to operate independently while having the opportunity to collaborate with her/his team members if desired. The legal team consists of highly empowered and business oriented senior lawyers with broad responsibilities who enjoy working in an international and fast-paced environment.

“Forget just reviewing contracts. At HES, in-house counsels are entrepreneurs at heart. We go beyond – empowering management and colleagues to mitigate risks through proactive guidance and assistance, turning legal expertise into the foundation for our success.”  – Remco van der Veer, General Counsel.

You will help to ensure that the HES Group companies comply with all relevant commercial and corporate legal and regulatory requirements.

Specific responsibilities within the Legal & Compliance team are:

• Commercial contracting: drafting, negotiating, reviewing and renewing commercial contracts (such as Storage & Handling Agreements for liquid and dry bulk) while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Overseeing and managing the legal aspects of all M&A related activities, including but not limited to mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, and other strategic transactions (including drafting and negotiating MoU’s, LoI’s or HoA’s);
• Legal risk management: identifying and mitigating potential legal risks associated with the group’s activities;
• Staying up-to-date: continuously monitoring changes in rules and regulations and advising management and business directors to take action accordingly;
• Legal Compliance: continuously monitor, assist and coordinate and conduct training sessions for employees on legal and compliance matters; anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, competition law, third party engagement procedures, sanction checks and export controls, privacy and document retention;
• Liaising with authorities: communication with authorities to clarify requirements, troubleshoot issues, and smoothen permit application processes;
• Claims: assist with and manage (insurance) claims.

The Profile

You are a pro-active, entrepreneurial and hands-on legal business advisor, with a university degree in (Dutch) Law and at least 8 years of experience in an international business environment.

Working in a team of 4 in a non-hierarchical and fast-paced organization that is backed by PE managed infrastructure funds, you will need to bring a flexible and down-to-earth personality and the capacity to work independently with many internal and external stakeholders. A solid safety mindset, following HES’ key company value as well as the industry’s regulatory requirements, is a non-negotiable. You are fluent in English and Dutch.

The Offer

HES offers the ability to work at the group management office in Rotterdam with magnificent view of the river Maas and Erasmus Bridge. Short decision lines close to the Executive Board. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are part of the offer. You may be required to occasionally travel within Europe.