Senior Legal Counsel (Contracts)

About the role

Karadeniz Holding, an energy and shipbuilding group founded in 1948 and operating in more than 20 countries, is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel (Contracts) to join its Legal department at its Istanbul Kağıthane headquarters. The role covers a broad range of domestic and international commercial contracts, with direct negotiation and drafting in English.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and manage domestic and international commercial contracts, including supply, procurement, services, consultancy, confidentiality and project-related agreements.
• Provide day-to-day legal support and commercially sound advice to business teams on contractual, commercial and operational matters.
• Lead contract negotiations with local and international counterparties and support strategic commercial transactions from inception to execution.
• Advise on commercial, contractual, corporate and regulatory matters, including the application and interpretation of English law principles in cross-border transactions.
• Support cross-border projects by identifying legal risks and developing practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with procurement, commercial, technical, finance and operational teams.
• Manage disputes, claims and external counsel where required, and support pre-dispute and settlement processes.
• Prepare legal memoranda, internal guidance notes, correspondence and corporate documentation, and monitor legal and regulatory developments.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in law and admission to the Bar; LL.M. is an asset.
• 6-7 years of hands-on experience in commercial contracts, procurement and supply agreements, and domestic and cross-border commercial transactions; international transaction experience is essential.
• Proven experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements such as supply, procurement, services, confidentiality and project contracts.
• No restriction for domestic and international travel when required.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of commercial law, law of obligations and contract law principles.
• Advanced written and spoken English; the ability to negotiate, draft and advise directly in English is a must.
• Ability to identify, assess and mitigate legal, contractual and commercial risks.
• Analytical, drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills, and ability to work independently and manage multiple matters.

What we offer

• Hybrid working opportunity.
• One day off on your birthday.
• Comprehensive private health insurance.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts and campaigns.