Lead Commercial Contract Counsel

Legal Counsel

Job Purpose/ Summary

The Lead Commercial Contract Counsel will play a key role in supporting Maersk’s Global Customer Contracting Agenda by driving well-governed, risk-aware, and commercially strategic contract management processes. This role involves independently reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing complex maritime -logistics, and commercial agreements, including those with key clients, while partnering closely with commercial account owners, product teams, and other key stakeholders. The position demands a comprehensive, business-aligned approach to contract management—balancing customer expectations with legal protection and commercial priorities. The successful candidate will influence contract strategy, support stakeholder alignment, and contribute to continuous improvement in a dynamic, international environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and finalize complex maritime, logistics, and commercial agreements, including contracts with Key Clients.
• Lead contract negotiations with customers and external stakeholders, focusing on high-value and complex agreements to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Own the legal contracting process for a region, partnering closely with relevant business stakeholders
• Lead stakeholder alignment calls and provides strategic input on contract design, playbooks, fallback positions, and negotiation strategy.
• Ensure compliance with legal policies and alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives, while mitigating legal risk exposure.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to obtain balanced outcomes that align legal protections with commercial priorities.
• Provide legal guidance on contractual risks and support the development of risk management strategies that align with business goals.
• Support the team manager in quality oversight, and supervision of new joiners.
• Mentor and act as a role model for junior team members to promote learning, consistent quality delivery and personal growth.
• Contribute expertise to legal department knowledge management initiatives, including the development of templates and best practice guidance.
• Stay abreast of legal, commercial, and industry trends, and support Legal’s strategic alignment with business developments.

Required Experience & Skills

• Educational degree in Law, i.e., a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, with substantial experience in contract review, drafting and negotiations. Advanced skills in working in a fast-paced, international environment requiring strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills. Further, you:
• Have 8+ years of experience in contract review, preferably in an international law firm or corporation.
• Possess strong contract negotiation skills and the ability to lead negotiations and handle complex agreements independently.
• Have strong working knowledge of international maritime and logistics law (preferred).
• Are highly proficient in MS Office and can manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Are fluent in English (written and spoken); knowledge of an additional foreign language is a plus.

Personal Characteristics

You must have a resilient, can-do attitude and the ability to navigate a complex and fast-paced environment while demonstrating the following key qualities:

• Analytical & Inquisitive: Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in contract reviews. Ability and willingness to question assumptions, conduct critical analysis, and spar with leaders or colleagues when necessary.
• Proactive & Autonomous: Capable of working independently, taking ownership of key responsibilities, and meeting tight deadlines.
• Assertive & Decisive: Confident in making informed decisions while balancing commercial and legal considerations.
• Strong Communication & Negotiation Skills: Able to clearly and concisely communicate complex issues and topics in both oral and written form. Skilled in negotiating effectively while maintaining a compliance-driven approach.
• Collaborative & Adaptable: Comfortable working with cross-border teams, engaging with stakeholders at all levels, and cooperating with business functions while upholding legal and compliance standards.
• Fostering a high Impact culture of best practices.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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