Managing Counsel
Irvine, CA
Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp – Legal /
Full-time /
Hybrid
Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America.
The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.
The Managing Counsel will support Qcells USA with legal needs arising in connection with the development, financing, sale, engineering, procurement, and construction of solar, solar plus battery energy storage, and standalone battery energy storage projects. These needs include reviewing, drafting, and effectively negotiating project finance documents, site control agreements, purchase and sale agreements, EPC Agreements, service contracts, subcontracts, supply contracts, and other construction-related agreements. This position reports to the General Counsel or another senior management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position is hybrid and is expected to travel up to 10%.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the legal team and General Counsel in handling issues arising during the process of engineering, procuring, and constructing utility scale solar and battery energy storage projects;
- Assist the legal team and General Counsel in handling issues arising during the process of securing site control for utility scale solar and battery energy storage projects;
- Structure, draft, review and effectively negotiate purchase and sale agreements and ancillary documents associated with the purchase and sale of utility scale solar and/or storage projects;
- Structure, draft, review and effectively negotiate capital contribution agreements, loan agreements, and ancillary documents associated with the financing of utility scale solar and/or storage projects;
- Structure, draft, review and effectively negotiate real property purchase option agreements, leases, easements, and other site control documentation;
- Structure, draft, review and effectively negotiate EPC Agreements, service contracts, subcontracts, and other solar, solar plus battery energy storage, or standalone battery energy storage project construction agreements;
- Provide general legal support to finance, development, construction, and operations teams regarding issues in the construction and operation of renewables projects;
- Advise business teams regarding issues that arise during construction, including change orders, waivers, and force majeure notices, and after construction, including warranty claims, as necessary;
- Provide general legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior management;
- Effectively and efficiently engage and manage outside counsel;
- Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position; and
- All other duties as assigned by General Counsel or other senior management personnel.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years relevant experience
- Active membership in at least one state bar
- Strong background in sales and acquisitions of utility scale renewable energy projects and project companies
- Strong background in financing of utility scale renewable energy projects, including tax equity and back-leverage transactions.
- Strong background in commercial construction, supply, and/or engineering contracts preferred.
- Strong background in commercial and greenfield real estate contracts preferred.
- Top law firm training preferred.
- In-house experience preferred.
- Renewable energy experience preferred.
$240,000 - $290,000 a year
The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
· Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
· Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
· Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
· Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
· Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
· Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
· Travel: review above travel requirement for this position
WORK ENVIRONMENT
· Regular professional, office business setting
· Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
· Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
Hanwha Q Cells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Q Cells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.
Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells’ Privacy Policy here or contacting our HR Team for a copy.
