Counsel, Downstream Europe and South Africa

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a complex, evolving energy business. You'll be responsible for providing solution-focused legal advice and guidance to existing and growing bp businesses in Downstream, as part of a wider bp Legal team. You'll join the team of bp's lawyers based in London in the Downstream, Europe and South Africa team, with a primary focus on supporting UK businesses across areas such as Mobility & Convenience, bp Pulse, Aviation and Biofuels. You'll provide commercial, pragmatic legal advice to partners, enabling business growth while managing risk. You'll work across a mix of day-to-day advisory and strategic project work, including supporting transactions, advising on regulatory developments, and helping shape business decisions. This is a non-managerial role, ideal for someone who enjoys being a trusted individual contributor, taking ownership of varied and meaningful work. Please note that roles based out of SJS or Sunbury will move to Timber Square, Southwark, from Q4 2027.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted legal advisor to bp's Downstream UK businesses
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements
• Supporting projects such as joint ventures, M&A, and business restructuring
• Advising on legal and regulatory matters (e.g. competition, sanctions, compliance)
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver practical, business-focused solutions
• Managing competing priorities and focusing on high-impact work

Requirements

• Strong technical legal expertise with a pragmatic, commercial attitude
• Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively, and adapt to changing business needs
• Clear communicator with sound judgment in applying processes and controls
• Focus on continuous improvement and delivering effective legal solutions
• High emotional intelligence and strong ethical standards
• Commitment to safety and proactive risk management
• Drive to simplify, innovate, and enhance legal support
• Collaborative approach with a genuine interest in understanding business strategy
• Qualified lawyer with relevant legal credentials
• You'll likely have several years' post-qualification experience in commercial/corporate law (law firm or in-house)
• It would be great if you also have:
• Exposure to M&A, regulatory or compliance matters
• Experience of working with remote teams
• Experience of project management of legal aspects of transactions within a multi disciplinary team.
• Experience of dealing with different levels of an organization.
• Why Join us:
• Join us in shaping the future and take the next step in your career with bp. Apply now.
• Travel Requirement:
• Negligible travel should be expected with this role
• Relocation Assistance:
• This role is not eligible for relocation
• Remote Type:
• This position is a hybrid of office/remote working
• Legal Disclaimer:
• If you are selected for a position a

Benefits

Additional Information

Job Family Group: Legal Group Job Description: Job Description Our purpose is to bring together people, energy and markets to power and navigate a changing world. In a time of constant change and possibility we need new talent to pursue commercial opportunities, fuelled by world-class insight and expertise. We're always striving for more innovative digital solutions, sustainable outcomes and closer collaboration across our company and beyond, and you could be part of that too.

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