Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal counsel for UK & Ireland, providing expert advice and managing contracts.
- Company: Join Hitachi Energy, a global leader in sustainable technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have a Law degree, 7+ years of legal experience, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: This role is home-based with occasional travel; applications are reviewed continuously.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Hitachi Energy is looking for an experienced legal counsel to work as Head of Legal for the United Kingdom and Ireland and strengthen Hitachi Energy’s global legal team by providing legal advice to all business units in the United Kingdom and Ireland. You will bring your legal know-how to diverse tasks, and ensure all contractual activities are executed in accordance with the relevant regulations and instructions as well as local statutory provisions. Reporting to Head of Legal for Europe, the successful candidate will implement global strategy and advise local management and business units on a wide range of legal and integrity issues.
This role is home-based in the United Kingdom, though you will be expected to attend the Birmingham office and other offices regularly, in accordance with business requirements. This role may also require some domestic and overseas travelling occasionally.
How You’ll Make An Impact
- Provide expert legal advice over a broad range of issues affecting different business units, especially for contracts and tenders.
- In addition, legal advice to projects under execution within the business units.
- Proactively develop effective legal strategies, mitigation actions and practical solutions in support of business activities.
- Negotiate acceptable contract terms with customers, liaising with all internal stakeholders in the process, including risk review processes.
- Promote dispute avoidance and manage disputes and litigations with all internal and external stakeholders.
- Actively participate in, and contribute to, the discussions of the board of directors of the UK and Irish legal entities and other senior management teams, and provide legal counsel to the boards and senior management teams in all matters.
- Undertake the role and duties of company secretary of the UK and Irish legal entities.
- Develop, mentor and supervise the UK and Ireland legal team, consisting of eight team members.
- Ensure excellent corporate governance and management of the operational company at country level.
- Support strong implementation of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and assist with investigation and resolution of integrity-related issues.
- Act as a local contact point for data privacy matters in close co-operation with the global Privacy Team.
- Design and deliver training on contractual and legal aspects.
- Be an active member of the global Legal and Integrity community and support the global team when needed.
- Live Hitachi Energy's core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.
Your Background
- University Law Degree (Master of Law) current practicing certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- Proven experience in leading legal professionals at all levels.
- 7+ years in proven experience relating to major construction/engineering projects and track record of handling complex international corporate and commercial transactions as well as claims and litigations.
- Experience in FIDIC, NEC4 and Orgalim general terms and conditions is a benefit.
- Committed, business-minded and solution-oriented.
- Well-developed communication, self-confidence, strong decision-making capability.
- Interpersonal skills including team spirit as well as the ability to influence people at all levels.
What We Offer
- Inclusive Work Environment: We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Career Growth: Enjoy excellent career opportunities in a global company that supports your professional development.
- Supportive Team: Be part of a team with inspiring colleagues who collaborate and support each other.
- Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements.
- Competitive Benefits: Receive a competitive salary and pension plan.
Bring your very own sense of pride and purpose as you help us drive forward the Fourth Industrial Revolution – creating a sustainable future for our planet, and your career. Join Hitachi and harness the power of our diverse global network, as you collaborate with and learn from our world-class teams.
Talent Partner, Dianne Cooper - Dianne.cooper@hitachienergy.com will answer your questions on the position. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay – apply today!
Head of Legal UK & Ireland employer: Hitachi Energy
Contact Detail:
Hitachi Energy Recruiting Team
Dianne.cooper@hitachienergy.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in construction and engineering projects. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in UK and Irish law, particularly those affecting corporate governance and compliance. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would mentor a team of legal professionals. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead and develop others in a legal context.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hitachi Energy’s core values and recent initiatives. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding safety and integrity, as this will show your genuine interest in the company culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in legal counsel, particularly in construction and engineering projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience you have with complex international transactions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your background aligns with Hitachi Energy's values. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed legal teams and handled disputes.
Showcase Your Legal Expertise: Detail your knowledge of FIDIC, NEC4, and Orgalim terms in your application. Highlight any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your experience in providing legal advice across various business units. Be ready to discuss your approach to dispute resolution and how you would implement global strategies at Hitachi Energy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Energy
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
As the Head of Legal, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of legal principles, especially in contracts and tenders. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues or negotiated contracts, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Company's Values
Hitachi Energy places a strong emphasis on safety and integrity. Familiarise yourself with their core values and be ready to discuss how you embody these principles in your professional conduct. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Given that this role involves leading a team of legal professionals, expect questions about your leadership style and experience. Think of specific instances where you've mentored or developed team members, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach building and managing the UK and Ireland legal team.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with internal stakeholders and external parties. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences, and how you've managed disputes or negotiations effectively.
