Legal Counsel

About IMI Established in 1987, International Materials (IMI) is one of the world's leading privately owned bulk raw materials trading companies, serving global customers across cement, construction, steel, and related industries. From sourcing materials to chartering vessels and delivering products directly to customers, IMI manages every step with precision, reliability, and a strong service-driven culture. With more than 180 employees across 11 international offices, long-term supplier partnerships, and an integrated global presence, we have built a reputation for technical expertise, personalized customer service, and the ability to support partners through complex supply chains. We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic In-House Legal Counsel to join our outstanding international legal department to support our global trading and operations teams. The successful candidate will need to have a good grasp of contract fundamentals (with a background or familiarity with shipping law preferred) and be prepared to get involved in all aspects of the company's day-to-day and long-term operations. This role sits at the center of our commercial activity, working directly alongside senior legal leadership, the commercial team and company management. The position offers diverse exposure, global impact, and the chance to develop a range of legal skills in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Key Responsibilities Provide legal advice on commercial contracts across multiple commodity workstreams, including trading, operations, and supply chain. Review, draft, negotiate and advise on a broad range of agreements, including trade, logistics (e.g., charterparties, barging, trucking), storage, security, procurement, and intercompany contracts, with attention to legal, compliance, regulatory, operational and commercial implications. Support and manage the resolution of shipping-related claims (cargo, vessel, demurrage) and assist with broader insurance and contractual dispute matters. Manage and assist senior counsel with litigation, arbitration, and pre-litigation dispute resolution, including document preparation and coordination with external counsel. Support corporate, HR, and immigration matters across the company's multiple global offices (e.g., hiring, terminations, visas). Support compliance initiatives, including the maintenance and development of internal policies (e.g., ESG, FCPA, AML) and regulatory risk management (e.g., sanctions, tariffs, trade restrictions). Identify legal and compliance risks, propose business-oriented solutions, and support internal stakeholders with practical guidance. Maintain internal processes, templates, and compliance documentation. Assist with subsidiary management, including corporate filings and good standing requirements. Coordinate with finance and tax teams on matters such as local bank onboarding, letters of credit, and VAT or transfer pricing documentation. Liaise with external counsel on legal spend, budgeting, and performance tracking. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver timely and effective legal support across jurisdictions. Must-Have Qualifications Qualified lawyer (ideally 3–6 PQE) with a solid grounding in commercial law. Strong contract skills with experience reviewing, drafting, and interpreting complex commercial agreements. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with a proactive, practical, and collaborative working style. Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, global environment, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to handle both routine and complex matters. Eagerness to develop commercial acumen and apply legal judgment in alignment with business objectives. Nice-to-Have Skills A shipping law background, including exposure to bulk/container work, insurance matters, and a broad range of operational and commercial shipping issues. Familiarity with bulk commodity trading (e.g., coal, coke, cement) and the related commercial environment. Exposure to compliance topics such as sanctions, OFAC, FCPA, UK Bribery Act, or ESG frameworks. Understanding of cross-border legal and regulatory considerations, such as intercompany agreements, tax (e.g., VAT, transfer pricing), or data protection. Some litigation experience with clear analytical thinking, structured reasoning, and sound risk assessment. Previous in-house legal experience. French language skills for engagement in francophone regions. It is International Materials' policy to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination based on any non-merit factor in accordance with applicable laws and regulations