Senior Legal Counsel Smart Power - UK & Ireland in Milton Keynes

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. This position reports to: Cluster Lead Counsel SEU.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide strategic legal counsel and uphold the highest standards of integrity within ABB. Each day, you will ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. You will also showcase your expertise by effectively managing legal risks and fostering a culture of integrity across the organization.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

What’s in it for you?

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and proactive risk management to business stakeholders, ensuring effective identification and mitigation of legal and commercial risks.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulatory obligations including data privacy, cybersecurity, environmental, and trade regulations.
• Develop and maintain authorization matrices, policies, and governance frameworks; deliver training initiatives to promote adherence to legal standards.
• Deliver specialized legal and strategic support for Smart Power and Electrification Business in the UK and Ireland, coordinating with Division General Counsels on pragmatic, business-oriented advice.
• Support M&A activities including risk assessments, due diligence, and strategic counsel; evaluate integrity risks and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial and distribution contracts; provide legal recommendations for public tenders, datacenters, and nuclear power projects.
• Manage litigation and arbitration matters; serve as primary liaison with external counsel and oversee dispute resolution, settlements, and negotiations to minimize financial exposure.
• Monitor legal affairs and maintain oversight of organizational legal issues; provide strategic input on local business matters and emerging legal challenges.
• Identify and assess business opportunities and legal risks; proactively develop strategies to capitalize on opportunities while mitigating exposure.
• Advise on digital agreements, Software-as-a-Service solutions, cybersecurity, AI, and trade compliance matters.

Qualifications for the Role

• Legal degree from accredited law school.
• Admission as a Solicitor of England and Wales.
• Significant legal post-qualification experience or equivalent in an internationally recognized law firm or multinational company.
• Demonstrable fluency in English, including ability to draft and negotiate legal and corporate documents in English.
• Strong command of corporation and commercial law and practices.
• Stakeholders’ management and superior negotiating skills and ability to work in complex international environment, substantial experience working in different cultures and an open mind which champions diversity and inclusion.
• “Hands-on” business partner attitude with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills experience in coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align legal priorities with organizational goals.
• Communication skills, including the ability to effectively and efficiently communicate in writing and orally, an aptitude for practical negotiation, the capability to think clearly and quickly under pressure, the composure to satisfy multiple and often competing interests and ability to share lessons learned with teammates.
• Self-motivated and able to work with autonomy, attention to details with excellent time management.
• A team player, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Competitive contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more).
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous employee referral scheme.
• Hybrid working.
• Private medical cover.
• Generous bonus scheme.

For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

More about us

ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. Ready to make an impact? Apply today or visit to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.