Description:

Job Description:
Position Summary:
Westmoreland is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to join our legal team. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to the U.S. and Canadian operations teams, with responsibility for negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and managing all operational contracts supporting the company's U.S. and Canadian business. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant legal experience, including meaningful law firm experience, with a strong background in transactional work, commercial contracts, legal research, and operational support, particularly in complex, resource-driven or industrial sectors. This role requires sound legal judgment, initiative, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with operations, leadership, business development, and other multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead negotiation, drafting, review, and management of all operational contracts for the company's U.S. and Canadian operations, including supply agreements, joint venture agreements, purchase and sale agreements, NDAs, consulting agreements, services agreements, and related commercial arrangements.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to manage contracts from inception through execution, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk mitigation.
  • Provide proactive legal counsel on matters impacting daily business operations, including compliance with U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with operational teams, leadership, business development, and external counsel to support transactions, commercial initiatives, strategic opportunities, and projects.
  • Conduct and summarize legal research on issues affecting U.S. and Canadian operations, transactions, contracting practices, regulatory developments, and business initiatives.
  • Develop, improve, and maintain templates and contracting processes to drive efficiency and consistency.
  • Assist with general corporate governance and subsidiary management tasks.
  • Support company compliance initiatives and programs.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or in-house legal department, with a strong focus on contract negotiation, transactional work, commercial counseling, and operational support.
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications
Active license to practice law in Colorado, or the ability to become licensed within a reasonable time period.

Skills/Competencies:
  • Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
  • Ability to perform practical legal research and translate findings into clear, business-oriented guidance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify legal concepts for business audiences.
  • Strong analytical skills and practical judgment.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to build relationships across departments and levels.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands
  • Primarily office-based with occasional travel required.
  • May involve extended periods of computer work and occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs.