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CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value drives our strategy and performance. 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

This Senior Commercial Counsel – Technology role will manage legal issues on complex commercial transactions for the IT and Procurement departments and contribute to the overall development of the Company’s supply chain strategy for technology and data privacy, including drafting and negotiation of a wide range of commercial contracts, process development and implementation, transactional risk assessment and support, and training development and rollout. This role will work closely with the Company’s corporate, supply chain and operational personnel to support and facilitate business transactions while minimizing risk. This Counsel role is expected to play a vital role in the Company’s $43.9 billion 10-year capital plan.

Essential Functions

• Conduct thorough reviews and negotiations of a wide range of commercial contracts, with a primary focus on technology-related agreements, including software licenses, SaaS agreements, and IT services contracts.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy matters and ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Procurement, IT, and Legal, to understand business objectives and provide timely, practical legal advice.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with company policies and risk tolerance.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in relevant laws and regulations to proactively address potential legal issues.
• Develop and deliver training programs to internal teams on legal and compliance matters related to technology, including data privacy and security.
• Participate in the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures to enhance legal and compliance processes.

Education Description

• Bachelor's degree and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree required from an accredited law school

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a commercial counsel, with a focus on technology transactions, including data privacy and security.
• In-depth knowledge of technology and IT contracts, including software licensing, SaaS agreements, and IT services contracts.
• Strong understanding of data privacy laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and CPRA.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Experience in energy, including renewables, or utilities is a plus, as well as a willingness to work on pro bono matters.

We want you to know

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value drives our strategy and performance. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

What We Bring To You

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Start Date: 01/17/2024

Posting End Date: 01/31/2024

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR

• • 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.