Legal Counsel — Procurement & Corporate Governance at PPC Romania

The Energy Transition Demands a New Breed of Legal Counsel

As Europe accelerates its shift toward clean energy, the legal profession is being reshaped by the demands of a sector that sits at the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and sustainable development. PPC Romania, part of the PPC Group — a leading energy player in South-East Europe with an installed capacity of 12.4 GW and supplying 8.7 million customers — is seeking a Legal Counsel specializing in Procurement & Corporate Governance. This is not merely another corporate legal vacancy; it is an invitation to play a pivotal role in the energy transition, working on complex public procurement frameworks, corporate governance, and cross-functional legal strategy in one of the region’s most dynamic industries.

The job posting, originally published on LinkedIn, reflects a comprehensive in-house legal role that demands both technical depth and commercial awareness. With the energy sector undergoing unprecedented transformation due to EU regulations, renewable expansion, and digitalization, legal counsel in this space must be more than just contract reviewers — they must be strategic partners who enable business goals while navigating an increasingly complicated legal landscape.

Inside the Role: Procurement and Corporate Governance on the Front Line

The Legal Counsel — Procurement & Corporate Governance role at PPC Romania is multifaceted and high-stakes. The successful candidate will not simply execute legal tasks; they will contribute to shaping procurement strategies and ensuring that the company’s activities remain fully compliant with applicable legislation. Here is a breakdown of the core responsibilities extracted from the job description:

• Corporate Governance Advisory: Providing high-quality legal advice on corporate governance matters while supporting internal functions such as procurement, HR, and finance.
• Procurement Contract Lifecycle: Delivering end-to-end legal support in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing procurement contracts, with a strong emphasis on public procurement agreements and procedures.
• Strategic Procurement Alignment: Contributing to the development and implementation of procurement strategies, particularly in the public procurement area, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Full Public Procurement Cycle: Supporting all stages of public procurement procedures, including drafting and reviewing tender documentation, managing clarification requests, and representing the company in disputes before CNSC (National Council for Solving Complaints) or competent courts.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Continuously tracking legislative and regulatory developments and proactively communicating their impact on ongoing activities to internal stakeholders.
• Dispute and Pre-litigation Management: Supporting operational teams in disputes and pre-litigation matters arising from contract execution, including drafting legal correspondence, formal notices, and well-substantiated legal opinions.
• Negotiations and Stakeholder Engagement: Participating in contract negotiations and meetings with contractual partners, suppliers, project developers, and other stakeholders, providing expert guidance and ensuring alignment with both legal and business objectives.

"We contribute every day to a safer and cleaner energy system, from the networks that connect communities, to renewable energy that transforms the energy mix, or solutions that make electric mobility accessible." — PPC Romania

This role is designed for a lawyer who is comfortable moving between the granular details of a tender document and the broader strategic view of a multimillion-euro energy project. The sheer scope of the responsibilities underlines the trust the company places in its legal team — and the impact the right candidate can have on the organization’s success.

Compensation, Culture, and the Real Value of Joining PPC Romania

PPC Romania offers a package that reflects its ambition to attract top legal talent. The benefits outlined in the posting go beyond the traditional salary and include a fixed annual bonus (equivalent to one salary), a performance bonus, meal vouchers worth 45 RON per day, and additional holiday bonuses. But the more compelling aspects for a legal professional are the development opportunities and the company culture.

• Professional Growth: Clear career paths, access to courses, mentoring, coaching programs, and role-relevant certifications, plus real internal mobility within the PPC Romania Group.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid schedule (office and smart working), a 'Short Friday' policy, extra days off (birthday, Energy Day), and partial reimbursement of vacation costs (2,400 RON per PPC contract).
• Well-Being: Medical subscription/private insurance, Bookster access, and partner offers, showing that the company values employee health and personal development.
• Financial Perks: Pillar III pension contribution (100 RON), employee referral bonuses between 1,800 RON and 7,200 RON, vision device reimbursement up to 700 RON every two years, and a voucher for energy consumption compensation.

For a legal counsel, this package signals that PPC Romania wants to retain senior talent and foster long-term commitment. The mention of fixed and performance bonuses suggests that legal work is directly linked to business outcomes, making the role more rewarding for those who enjoy seeing their contributions drive company results.

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

If you are considering applying for this role, understanding what the recruiters at PPC Romania are looking for is half the battle. The job description clearly outlines several requirements that go beyond a typical legal skillset. Here are strategic tips to strengthen your application:

• Demonstrate Public Procurement Expertise: Highlight specific cases where you managed tender documentation, handled clarification requests, or represented a client/company before national complaint bodies or courts. Show measurable outcomes such as cost savings, successful contract awards, or avoided litigation.
• Showcase Corporate Governance Acumen: Prepare examples of how you have advised boards or executive teams on governance matters, including compliance with the Companies Law, corporate structures, or related-party transactions.
• Prove Your Energy Sector Familiarity: While not mandatory, experience with energy legislation — both Romanian and European — will set you apart. Mention any exposure to renewable projects, grid development, or energy supply contracts.
• Emphasize Your Legal English and Contract Drafting: The posting stresses advanced legal English and the ability to negotiate and draft contracts independently. Attach a writing sample or reference specific cross-border contracts you have drafted.
• Show Tech-Savviness: PPC Romania values proficiency in legal tech tools and a willingness to adopt AI-assisted solutions. Be ready to discuss how you use technology to increase efficiency in legal work — whether through contract management systems, e-discovery tools, or AI-based research platforms.

Additionally, because the role involves working with multiple internal functions (procurement, HR, finance), be prepared to demonstrate your ability to translate legal risks into business-friendly language. The "Who You Are" section emphasizes comfort in fast-paced environments, calmness under pressure, integrity, and proactivity — so weave these soft skills into your CV and interview answers.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Legal Professionals

From a career trajectory perspective, this role offers a unique blend of in-house exposure, high-value transaction experience, and strategic influence. Legal counsels who specialize in public procurement and corporate governance within the energy sector are in high demand across Europe, especially as governments and corporations align with net-zero targets. Working at PPC Romania, one of the region's top energy players, positions you at the heart of this transformation.

Moreover, the hybrid work model and generous benefits indicate a modern employer that values work-life integration—a priority for many senior lawyers today. If you are looking for a role where your legal expertise directly impacts the growth of sustainable energy infrastructure, shapes procurement decisions, and ensures corporate integrity, this position is worth pursuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying to the Legal Counsel — Procurement & Corporate Governance position at PPC Romania?

The job posting does not specify a formal deadline. LinkedIn listings typically remain open until a sufficient number of applications is received or the role is filled. Since the posting indicates 'over 200 candidates' had already applied, interested applicants are strongly advised to submit their application as soon as possible via the original LinkedIn job posting from PPC Romania.

Is this role open to lawyers outside Romania?

The job is based in Bucharest, Romania, and requires strong knowledge of Romanian legislation, including civil law, public procurement law, and corporate governance. While the posting is written in Romanian, it demands advanced legal English, suggesting that international candidates with relevant experience and a willingness to relocate could be considered. However, fluency in Romanian is likely necessary for day-to-day work with local authorities and courts.

What are the most important skills for success in this role?

Apart from a minimum of five years of experience, the three pillars are: (1) deep expertise in public procurement procedures, including tender documentation and dispute resolution before CNSC; (2) solid corporate governance knowledge; and (3) the ability to operate at both legal and strategic levels. Strong negotiation skills, legal English, and familiarity with energy sector regulations are also crucial differentiators.

How can I apply for this job if the application link is not provided here?

Since this listing was originally hosted on LinkedIn, the official application link is the one found on the PPC Romania LinkedIn page. To apply, search for 'Legal Counsel — Procurement & Corporate Governance' on LinkedIn Jobs, or visit the PPC Romania careers page if available. Be cautious of third-party aggregators — always confirm the genuineness of the listing by going through the company’s official channels.