About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminium, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

South32's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We work closely with their host communities to create enduring social and economic value through local employment, infrastructure and facilities development and community investment programs.

The location of this role is flexible and can be remote or hybrid model. We welcome candidates from all geographic locations to apply.

The Role

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal, this newly created role will lead the legal team across the Americas. Responsible for providing legal support and advice in relation to our operations, development projects and investments in the Americas, and managing a team of talented lawyers.

The Legal team is part of the Legal and External Affairs function at South32, reporting to the Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer. The Legal and External Affairs function plays a critical role in all aspects of South32 delivering on its purpose.

Accountabilities ( Include but are not limited to) :

Individual Accountabilities:

• Lead the Americas Legal team to ensure alignment to South32 strategy, operating principles and behaviours, and performance of the Legal Function's Mandate and Business Plan
• Create a safe, inclusive and performance focused team culture
• Establishes and maintains relationships with client groups to act as a key point of contact
• Provide independent and strategic legal advice on areas within the accountability of the Americas Legal team.
• Effectively engages and co-ordinates team activities with other South32 teams (legal and non-legal)
• Monitor developments in legislation and corporate governance practices in the Americas, identify legal and governance risks, assess the impact(s) on the Company and advise on the management of these risks
• Establishes, manages and maintains external law firm relationships, costs and service delivery.
• Develops, sponsors, manages, participates in and delivers on activities to mitigate South32 material legal risks, particularly with respect to competition law compliance and market disclosure risk
• Participates in relevant leadership teams to ensure a solid understanding of pipeline of work to manage the team
• Prepare and manage budget and forecasting for Legal Americas team
• Assists with the development of the Legal Business Plan and coordinates delivery against the Plan
• Assist with the implementation of the South32 Legal governance requirements for their areas of accountability
• Embeds the legal ways of working for the Americas legal team
• Manages regular reporting to Client Group to ensure Client Group is updated on material issues
• Interfaces with the South32 Limited Board on legal matters, as requested
• Identifies, builds and develops talent and capability of direct reports
• Role models the legal operating system ways of working

Qualifications, Skills, and Expertise:

• Law; admitted to practice in US, Canada and/or Australia (other jurisdictions desirable)
• 10-15+ years PQE
• Languages preferred (Spanish and Portuguese)
• Experience in a similar role, in corporate/commercial law, in a large complex business
• Extensive legal experience in the resources or energy sector in the Americas
• Exposure to projects, joint venture agreements, mining operations and exploration, tenure in the mining industry and land access, exploration, corporate, treasury, and financing, stock exchange requirements, acquisitions and divestments across multiple jurisdictions, marketing contracts, disputes, regulatory issues, corporate governance, health, safety, and environment, sustainability, social performance, climate change, and carbon trading, regulatory compliance competition, risk management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with people at all levels
• Able to lead change and adjust to it, effective in ambiguous situations.
• High achiever, inspired, upbeat, enthusiastic, and performance-oriented
• A history of leading by example and accepting responsibility
• Possesses the capacity to operate autonomously, and track record of leading a team well and adding value to it
• Demonstrates South32 Leadership Capabilities and exhibits these behaviours on a consistent basis.
• Coaches and develops others

Our Culture

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We're focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organization, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Nearest Major Market: Tucson