Senior Project Legal Counsel in Ipswich

Join to apply for the Senior Project Legal Counsel role at Bouygues Travaux Publics, a global leader in civil engineering and sustainable infrastructure construction.

The Civil Works Alliance (CWA) seeks an accomplished construction solicitor to play a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes: Sizewell C, a 3.2‑gigawatt power station delivering low‑carbon electricity to 6 million homes.

Principal Accountabilities, Activities and Decisions

• Contractual Advisory & Compliance: Assist with drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, consultant appointments and NDAs in line with project requirements and goals. Work closely with Procurement and Commercial teams to put required contracts in place within project timescales. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, industry regulations and project‑specific requirements. Advise project teams on legal issues, potential risks and mitigations. Assist in developing the CWA’s suite of NEC‑based contracts for procuring works/services. Help create processes, policies and documentation to embed contractual requirements into day‑to‑day operations.
• Risk Management & Dispute Resolution: Identify potential legal risks and develop mitigation strategies. Internally manage disputes, claims and litigation that may arise; liaise with external counsel as appropriate. Serve as a point of contact for dispute resolution processes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal departments (Finance, Procurement, Commercial) to ensure legal alignment with business objectives. Work with external stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors and government agencies, to manage contractual relationships effectively.
• Documentation & Record Management: Oversee preparation, documentation and storage of all legal agreements and correspondence. Maintain accurate records for audits, dispute resolution and compliance checks.
• Regulatory Monitoring & Policy Development: Monitor UK construction and contract law developments to ensure project compliance. Develop and implement internal policies to enhance legal compliance and risk management practices.
• Training & Guidance: Provide training and resources to project teams on contractual rights, obligations and compliance. Serve as a legal point of reference to align team with contractual terms and standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Expertise in UK construction law, including NEC3 and NEC4 contracts.
• Knowledge of contracts used in offshore projects (e.g., marine installation) is desired but not essential.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficient in risk management.
• Ability to work independently and handle complex legal matters.
• Attention to detail in contract drafting and review.
• Clear and concise communication of complex legal issues to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking aligned with the CWA’s long‑term objectives.
• Resilience and adaptability in fast‑paced environments.
• Team player with relationship‑building skills across stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with 8+ years’ PQE in construction and major projects, in‑house or at a leading private practice (secondment experience preferred).
• Experience on high‑value energy/infrastructure projects is desired but not essential.

If you’d like to contribute directly to a landmark project at the heart of the UK’s energy transition – ensuring legal integrity, excellence and compliance every step of the way – please apply now. We are committed to building a diverse and high‑performing team, drawing on talent from every background to deliver for the future.