Senior Corporate Counsel

About Us

South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow.

At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and  leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights.

Position Summary

Reports to the VP, Deputy General Counsel, Commercial Transactions, Finance & Legal Operations Practice, and handles various legal matters associated with all employment, labor, and workforce compliance needs of the company. This position widely supports the human resources teams, Labor Relations, and generally assists with the human capital needs of the company, including the provision of legal research, preparation of memorandum, contract interpretation, review, drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, due diligence, resolution of disputes, and oversight of outside counsel. This position requires experience in transactions and litigation, and cooperation with lawyers in the other practice groups, as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Perform such work or services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel.
• Assists in providing legal services in connection with all employment and labor needs facing the company, including, without limitation, performing or assisting with internal investigations, employment agreements, severance agreements, union negotiations, workers compensation and benefits issues.  
• Assists in providing legal services in connection with the interpretation, drafting and negotiation of employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, staff augmentations, severance or separation agreements, and general business contracts relating to all areas affecting the human capital needs of the company.
• Assists in litigation matters including, but not limited to: interaction with outside counsel, preparing pleadings, attending depositions and trials, conducting investigations, reviewing, evaluating and resolving such litigation or such other disputes, while minimizing adverse publicity and monetary exposure, maximizing recovery and preserving or encouraging harmony in ongoing business relationships with third parties.
• Assists in collective bargaining matters including, but not limited to: interaction with outside counsel, preparing pleadings, attending negotiations, deposition and trials, conducting investigations, reviewing, evaluating and resolving such litigation or other disputes while minimizing adverse publicity and monetary exposure, maximizing recovery and preserving or encouraging harmony in ongoing business relationships with labor unions, contractors, or other third parties.
• Draft, review, and coordinate with other stakeholders on company-wide policies. Run quarterly Corporate Compliance Committee Meetings.
• Monitor and manage complaints made into the Employee Hotline.
• Support the creation and compliance with employment and labor policies, rules, and procedures.
• Assists with internal training on legal issues in the form of written summaries or oral presentations.

Required Skills:

• Business acumen and excellent commercial judgment required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and analytical skills required.
• Ability and desire to work in a team environment required.
• Confident and self-aware with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. A high impact presence; capable of quickly establishing credibility, influencing constituencies, and persuading professional at all levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working and supporting unionized workforce preferred.

Qualifications

Required Background:

• A Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to bar of at least one state (successful applicant admitted outside of New Jersey will need to obtain NJ in-house counsel license).
• A minimum of 5 years of professional legal experience at a major law firm or in government practice specializing in Labor and Employment law.

Explore the Possibilities

South Jersey Industries employs a diverse range of talent – from construction contractors to environmental specialists. Regardless of the position, mentoring and networking, hands-on experience, gaining industry knowledge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our business and in our communities are all exciting ways that we welcome our employees at SJI. And as a company committed to creating an engaging culture built on inclusion and diversity, you’re sure to find an opportunity that makes you feel included, empowered, and ready to “bring your whole self to work” every day.

Benefits Package Overview

SJI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The SJI “Total Rewards” Benefits Package include:

• Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k), with generous company match
• Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship.

Compensation Range:

$111,000 - 177,600

We are committed to pay transparency and ensuring equitability compensation for all employees. The pay range for this position reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits, bonuses, or other forms of compensation that might be part of the total compensation package. The specific salary offered will be based on a candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.