Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel – John Cockerill Corporate

Are you ready to contribute to a global industrial group shaping sustainable solutions for tomorrow?

Driven since 1817 by the entrepreneurial spirit and thirst for innovation of its founder, the John Cockerill Group develops large-scale technological solutions to meet the needs of its time: facilitating access to low-carbon energies, enabling sustainable industrial production, preserving natural resources, contributing to greener mobility, enhancing security, and installing critical infrastructures.

Its offer to companies, States and communities consists of services and associated equipment for the sectors of energy, defence, industry, the environment, transports, and infrastructures.

With over 8,000 employees, John Cockerill achieved a turnover of €1.417 billion in 2024, operating in 28 countries across 5 continents.

As a diversified international Group, John Cockerill relies on strong corporate functions to support its businesses, drive performance, ensure governance, and foster sustainable growth across all activities.

Why join John Cockerill ?

• Group-level impact: contribute to strategic, transversal or support functions with a direct impact on business performance.
• International reach: collaborate with teams and stakeholders across regions, businesses and cultures.
  👉 Discover our international talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUiEakGcsQ&t=72s
• Purpose-driven environment: be part of a Group committed to sustainability, innovation and long-term value creation.
• Autonomy & trust: evolve in a culture that values responsibility, initiative and work-life balance.

To support its continued growth and transformation, John Cockerill invests in strong corporate expertise, combining strategic vision, operational excellence and human values.

Your role

As a Legal Counsel, you will provide expert legal and contractual support to operational and commercial teams, with a focus on negotiating and drafting high-value industrial contracts in both domestic and international contexts. You will play a key role in protecting the Group’s interests across the full project lifecycle.

You will interact with senior stakeholders across all business sectors, as well as with Trade Finance and Compliance teams, external partners, and clients at the highest level.

This role demands a combination of legal expertise, commercial acumen, and strong interpersonal skills, in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Your key responsibilities

• Negotiate and draft a wide variety of commercial contracts (sales, EPC, maintenance, supply, etc.) for large-scale industrial projects in sectors such as energy, hydrogen, nuclear, infrastructure, and defence
• Manage and follow up on disputes and claims, including with international counterparts (Asia, Middle East, China)
• Provide legal support to commercial and operational teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Collaborate closely with the Trade Finance and Compliance teams on export-related matters
• Represent and defend the Group’s interests in client, partner and supplier negotiations
• Participate in the Engagement Committee, contributing a holistic legal perspective on strategic projects
• Support and coach local representatives and project teams on legal and contractual best practices
• Implement and maintain contract management tools (RACI matrices, deviation lists, meeting minutes, etc.)

Your team

You will join a Legal, Compliance, and Trade Finance department, a multidisciplinary team based in Seraing (Belgium), with additional colleagues in France and India. You will report to Vincent, Head of Legal, and work in close collaboration with Koenraad, VP Legal & Sales, as well as with Trade Finance and Compliance specialists.

The work culture promotes autonomy, initiative and intellectual curiosity. The management style is collegial, human, and non-hierarchical — no micro-management. You are encouraged to bring your ideas, work hard, and collaborate with passion.

Your profile

Experience & technical skills

• Master’s degree in Law (business law, commercial law, or equivalent)

• Minimum 7-8 years of experience in contract law, within an industrial or corporate legal environment

• Proven track record in negotiating and drafting high-value commercial contracts (sales, EPC, maintenance, supply, etc.)
• Experience in dispute and litigation management, including with international counterparts
• Background in the industrial;
• Knowledge of export compliance and trade finance processes is a strong asset
• Full professional proficiency in French and English (written and spoken) — mandatory; Dutch and/or German are a plus

Personal & behavioral skills

• Commercial mindset — you understand and support business objectives while defending the Group’s interests

• Diplomatic firmness — able to hold your ground while maintaining positive relationships

• Strong listening and empathy skills, combined with clear and assertive communication at all levels
• Team player, collaborative and easy to work with — while being firm, fair and professional
• Autonomous and creative: you come with ideas, show initiative, and are not afraid to speak up
• Willing to travel regularly within Europe (approx. once a month) and occasionally internationally (India, Middle East)

What we offer

At John Cockerill, we deeply value your contribution:

• Attractive salary package with many extra-legal benefits: company car, meal vouchers, flat-rate expenses, hospitalization/life/death/guaranteed income insurance, variable remuneration ranging from 0–25% of your gross annual salary, profit-sharing scheme based on progress and results
• Comprehensive onboarding: a 6-month training with plenty of learning opportunities
• Career development: regular reviews, large catalogue of training, and career progression
• International opportunities across businesses and regions
• 31 days off

The recruitment process

Ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the Group’s future?

What are the next steps?

• First interview with Camille, Talent Acquisition
• Interview with Koenraad (VP Legal & Sales), Vincent (Head of Legal), and Marie (HR)
• Offer and onboarding — welcome to the team!

Is it a match between you and John Cockerill? May this collaboration begin!

👉 Discover our 2024 highlights and Group journey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw1eUarVzoQ

This is not the opportunity you're looking for?
Explore all opportunities and join our talent pool via the Group career site:
👉 www.johncockerill.com/jobs