
Legal Counsel - Business Operations
Job Description
The Opportunity:
At Canadian Natural, we are dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the energy sector. As a recognized leader in Canada’s energy industry, we operate one of the strongest and most diversified asset portfolios of any independent energy producer in the world.
Make your mark while you grow your career! We are seeking an experienced oil & gas commercial lawyer to join its dynamic and collaborative team. Reporting to the Manager, Legal - Business Operations, the Legal Counsel will provide timely and effective legal support to internal business teams. This role requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to work both autonomously and in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The successful candidate will consistently deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
- Job location: Calgary, Alberta
- Shift schedule: 5 x 2, 8-hour shifts
- Safety sensitive position: No
- Application deadline: July 5, 2026
Key Accountabilities:
- Provide legal support and analysis to Canadian Natural’s Joint Ventures, Mineral Land, Regulatory & Stakeholder Relations, and other commercial teams, aligned with established Canadian Natural practices, procedures and objectives
- Identify, assess, and clearly communicate legal and commercial risks to internal stakeholders to support effective decision-making
- Review, analyze, interpret, and draft a wide range of contracts and legal documents
- Support commercial teams in partner and counterparty negotiations, primarily in commercial disputes and joint venture arrangements
- Advise and support Regulatory & Stakeholder Relations teams with compliance, including interpreting regulations and directives and preparing and reviewing applications for permits and approvals
- Respond to regulatory appeals and other legal challenges from external stakeholders
What You Bring to the Role:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), with active membership in the Law Society of Alberta
- 7+ years of relevant legal practice, preferably with a focus on Energy and/or Oil & Gas Regulatory matters
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and interpreting a broad range of legal agreements and documents
- Experience interpreting regulations and dealing with regulatory agencies, including navigating regulatory processes and compliance requirements
- Sound legal judgment and business acumen, with the ability to understand and support both short- and long-term business objectives
- Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within cross-functional teams, with a strong track record of building effective relationships across business units
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary, stock options, company matched stock savings plan, annual bonuses
- May be eligible for relocation pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
- 100% Employer paid extended Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
- Employee & Family Assistance Program
- Access to online learning platforms for continuous learning and development
- Paid vacation and time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays
Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS to learn more about what we have to offer!
We are proud to be ranked as one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.
We invest in your career through offering a culture that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.
Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d.
Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.
Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.
Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.
Check out some of our Employee Testimonials!
All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.
While we appreciate all applications we receive, kindly note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.