CenterPoint Energy, Inc

Director and Associate General Counsel

CenterPoint Energy, Inc • $160K — $200K *
Houston, TX 77084In-Person
Legal & Accounting
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • 12+ years of legal experience with a focus on complex commercial transactions and capital projects.
  • Expertise in commercial contracting principles and risk management strategies.
  • Experience in leading, mentoring, and managing legal professionals effectively.
  • Strong negotiation, writing, analytical, and communication skills, particularly in a business context.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience in the energy, utility, or regulated sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Commercial legal team to provide high-quality legal support.
  • Serve as the primary advisor for complex commercial transactions related to capital projects and supply chain.
  • Draft and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements critical to business operations.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to create practical legal strategies.
  • Identify and assess legal risks in commercial agreements and advise on proper mitigations.
  • Support all stages of major projects, including procurement and dispute resolution.
  • Enhance contracting processes and maintain legal templates and risk frameworks.

Benefits

  • Paid training with benefits starting on your first day.
  • Flexible work schedule along with paid holidays and time off.
  • Access to transit subsidies and fitness discounts.
  • Professional development programs, including tuition reimbursement.
  • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar company match and additional contributions.
Full Job Description
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, risk allocation, legal compliance, and commercial legal processes.


Education Description

  • Bachelor's degree and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree required from an accredited law school.
  • Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; eligibility to practice as in-house counsel in the applicable jurisdiction is required.


Experience

  • Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience advising on complex commercial transactions, construction, procurement, supply chain, operations, capital projects, or other business-critical agreements.
  • Deep knowledge of commercial contracting principles, with demonstrated expertise in risk allocation, indemnities, limitations of liability, warranties, insurance, payment terms, performance obligations, remedies, change management, dispute resolution, and governance requirements.
  • Experience leading, managing, or mentoring attorneys and legal professionals, including demonstrated ability to build trust with business clients, set priorities, develop talent, and drive performance in a collaborative environment.
  • Excellent negotiation, drafting, analytical, communication, and executive advisory skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical, and business-focused guidance.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, business partners, project teams, supply chain professionals, finance personnel, outside counsel, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, leadership presence, problem-solving ability, and capacity to balance legal risk with business objectives.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, significant matters, and competing deadlines while maintaining responsiveness, quality, and attention to detail.
  • Experience in the energy, utility, infrastructure, construction, engineering, procurement, or regulated industry sectors is strongly preferred.


We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

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: 09/08/2026
Posting End Date: 09/25/2026

#LI-CNP

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc

CenterPoint Energy is a domestic energy delivery company. The Company’s business segments include Electric Transmission and Distribution, Natural Gas Distribution, Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services, Interstate Pipelines, Field Services and Other Operations. The Company serves metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The company also owns a 58.3% interest in a midstream partnership it jointly controls with OGE Energy Corp. with operations in natural gas and liquids-rich producing areas of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Careers

Join the dynamic team at CenterPoint Energy, Inc., a pivotal leader in the energy sector, where innovation meets purpose. Our company is not just about providing energy solutions; it's about empowering futures through meaningful career opportunities.

Work You’ll Do

At CenterPoint Energy, Inc., you will engage in work that not only energizes communities but also fuels personal and professional growth. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is matched by our commitment to the people who make our success possible.

Transform Your Career

Embark on a journey of growth and leadership at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Here, job opportunities abound, offering you the chance to influence the future of energy and infrastructure. With roles ranging from engineering to customer service, your professional path is here.

Innovate with Us

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is at the forefront of energy innovation. Our team is dedicated to developing solutions that not only meet today's energy needs but also set the standards for tomorrow. Join us and bring your unique skills to a place where innovation is standard.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s internship programs. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build a network of professional contacts. Our internships offer a deep dive into the energy sector, providing a solid foundation for your career.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe diversity drives innovation. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our diversity training ensures that everyone, from leadership to new hires, understands the value of differences.

Benefits and Culture

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, infused with a spirit of teamwork that encourages collaboration and continuous learning.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous job opportunities at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and find the position that best matches your skills and ambitions. We are hiring creative, solution-driven team players who are ready to make an impact.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at CenterPoint Energy, Inc.: - **Career Growth and Development:** We provide unmatched training and development programs that prepare you for leadership and specialized roles within the company. - **Networking Opportunities:** Connect with industry leaders and innovators within our network to enhance your career prospects. - **Job Alert Emails:** Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your career preferences.

Apply Now

Ready to power your career with CenterPoint Energy, Inc.? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and step into a role that will challenge and excite you. Interview with us and join a company that values your energy and ideas.

SEARCH CENTERPOINT ENERGY JOBS

Join CenterPoint Energy, Inc. today and be part of a team that is dedicated to creating a sustainable and energized future.
Learn more about CenterPoint Energy, Inc
Size
9,418 employees
Market Cap
$19.2 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
-$773 million
Founded
1866
5 Year Trend
+2.1%
Revenue
$7.4 billion
NASDAQ
CNP
* Ladders Estimates

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