Head of Legal

Since its creation in 2014, Harbour has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse independent oil and gas companies.  Today, Harbour is producing between 475,000 and 485,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day with significant production in Norway, the UK, Germany, Argentina and North Africa. 

Harbour benefits from competitive operating costs and resilient margins, and a broad set of growth options including near-infrastructure opportunities in Norway, unconventional scalable opportunities in Argentina and conventional offshore projects in Mexico and Indonesia. With low GHG emissions intensity and a leading CO2 storage position in Europe, Harbour remains committed to producing oil and gas safely and responsibly to help meet the world’s energy needs. Harbour is headquartered in London with approximately 5,000 staff and contractors across its operations and offices. 

Ours is an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to their job and feel recognised for the value they add. We are committed to creating a genuinely inclusive and supportive working environment to ensure everyone has a positive experience at work. 

At Harbour Energy, we aim to recruit, retain and promote our people based on their unique skills, regardless of race, gender or background. We need excellent people to help shape and develop the future of our company. Could this be you? 

If so, we want to hear from you. 

Purpose of Role:

• To work as part of a team to provide direct support to the VP Legal and Regulatory in managing the legal and governance matters of Harbour Energy.
• The role has responsibility for managing the day-to-day legal affairs of Harbour Energy’s asset portfolio in Mexico and for the team of professionals within Group Legal who are supporting those activities based in Mexico City.
• This is a key role as a valued business partner and as a contributor to the overall strategy and commercial direction of the business.
• Working closely and effectively with the VP Legal and Regulatory, Head of Legal will be a pragmatic and engaging leader who will advise and influence key business leaders and provide guidance and leadership for a team of professionals.

Critical Responsibilities (MAE/MATTE/HSES*):

• Ensuring that all activities are carried out in a safe manner complying with all regulatory requirements, legislation and Harbour Energy HSES Procedures.

Ethics and Compliance Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all activities and behaviours are carried out in accordance with Harbour Energy’s Ethics and Compliance Policies and Procedures, and to complete any compulsory compliance training as required.
• Act in full alignment with the company’s Ethics and Compliance framework and complete all required compliance training.
• Promote integrity and transparency in contract negotiations and execution.
• Supervise adherence to anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest prevention.

Areas of Accountability, Responsibility and Competence:

• Manage a team of legal professionals appropriately and effectively, providing advice and encouragement to help them attain excellent results for the business and themselves.
• Legal governance, i.e. implement and monitor an integrated approach to legal risks.
• Provide advice on the legal risks associated with business practices and before or during M&A activity, including maintaining and organizing relevant contracts and files.
• Provide full legal service to all departments and functions, including but not limited to public law matters, JVs, M&A, corporate finance, investor relations, disposal of assets, litigation and arbitration, regulation, contract review, drafting and standardization, capital market regulations, etc.
• Consulting and collaborating with, as well as supporting to, corporate legal function on all matters relevant for Harbour Energy.
• Ensure compliance with national and relevant international rules, regulations, laws and procedures, including competition laws and obligations before oil and gas regulators.
• Guarantee adherence to Mexican energy laws and E&E contracts.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting operations and recommend timely legal adjustments.
• Liaise with regulators and government entities with respect to Harbour Energy’s interests. 
• Capacity to assess complex legal issues and provide pragmatic, business-oriented solutions. 

Critical Skills*, Qualifications, Experience:

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent); qualified in Mexico (preferred).
• Postgraduate specialization in corporate law, energy law, or international business law preferred. 
• Fluent in Spanish (native or near-native level). 
• Proficiency in English (business and legal drafting level required). 
• Minimum 10–12 years of legal experience, ideally within the energy sector or related industries. 
• Proven track record in managing legal functions. 
• Prior leadership of legal teams and collaboration with multidisciplinary project groups. 
• Deep knowledge of Mexican energy law, hydrocarbons regulation, and E&P contractual frameworks. 
• Expertise in corporate and commercial laws, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and governance structures. 
• Strong competence in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex legal matters. 
• Litigation management and dispute resolution, including coordination with external counsel. 
• Strategic thinking and ability to align legal advice with business objectives. 
• Strong leadership and team management skills, fostering professional growth and high performance. 
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment under pressure.
• Strong alignment with and commitment to the core values and behaviours of Harbour Energy.

Inclusive recruitment is a vital part of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. Whatever your background, if you feel you need an adjustment during our selection process to suit your needs, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.