Director and Associate General Counsel

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.    Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.    Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.     Job Summary

The Associate General Counsel – Commercial will lead the Company’s Commercial legal team and serve as a senior legal advisor supporting the execution of the Company’s $66.7 billion 10-year capital plan. This role will oversee and provide strategic legal support for variety of commercial and transactional legal matters, including equipment purchases, services, technology, supply chain and other business matters.  This role works closely with executive leadership across-functional business teams to structure, negotiate and execute transactions that advance business objectives while appropriately identifying, allocating and mitigating legal, commercial, operational, and regulatory risk.  This position also is responsible for developing the commercial legal team, improving contracting processes, supporting governance and compliance expectations, and delivering practical, business-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced utility and energy environment. Essential Functions

Lead, develop, and manage the Commercial legal team, including setting priorities, providing mentorship and coaching, allocating resources, and ensuring high-quality, timely legal support for business clients. Serve as the primary senior legal advisor for complex commercial transactions supporting capital projects, supply chain, operations, construction, procurement, technology, real estate, and other strategic business needs. Draft, review, negotiate, and oversee a broad range of sophisticated commercial agreements, including, construction, equipment purchase, master services, professional services, consulting, technology, licensing, confidentiality, procurement, settlement, and other business-critical agreements. Partner with executive leadership, supply chain, finance, operations, engineering, project management, compliance, and other stakeholders to develop practical legal strategies that support business objectives and protect the Company’s interests. Identify, evaluate, and advise on legal, commercial, regulatory, operational, performance, indemnity, insurance, warranty, payment, lien, force majeure, change order, schedule, and dispute-related risks in commercial arrangements. Support all phases of major projects and transactions, including planning, procurement strategy, contract development, negotiation, execution, implementation, project administration, claims avoidance, dispute resolution, and closeout. Develop, improve, and maintain contracting playbooks, templates, policies, approval processes, risk frameworks, and related tools to promote consistency, efficiency, compliance, and sound risk allocation across the organization. Coordinate with internal subject matter experts and outside counsel, as appropriate, to manage specialized legal issues, significant negotiations, disputes, and strategic transactions. Monitor relevant legal, regulatory, market, and industry developments and advise business partners on impacts to commercial contracting, procurement strategy, project execution, and risk management. Develop and deliver training to legal, supply chain, project, and business teams on contracting best practices,