At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal support for compliance in the Sizewell C project.
- Company: Join the Civil Works Alliance, shaping the UK's energy future.
- Benefits: Market-leading salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a major low-carbon energy project.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with compliance experience in UK construction or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help Shape the UK’s Energy Future. Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), Supporting Sizewell C.
As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within the CWA Wide Section.
What will you do?
The Senior Legal Counsel (Compliance) will provide strategic legal support, guidance, and management to the Sizewell C Civil Works Alliance on legal and contractual compliance and regulatory matters throughout all phases of the civil works programme of the Sizewell C project. This role requires experience in compliance and regulatory matters, ideally in high-value energy/infrastructure projects, and familiarity with U.K. laws and regulations.
The Senior Legal Counsel (Compliance) will work closely with the CWA’s ESG & Strategy Director, the CWA’s Governance, HR, Finance and Legal Functions and other internal teams, the Implementation Participants, project & partners stakeholders, and external advisors to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and protect the Civil Works Alliance’s interests.
Contractual Advisory & Compliance
- Helping to create processes, procedures, policies and necessary documentation to embed the requirements of the PAA into the day-to-day operations of the CWA.
- Ensure compliance with PAA requirements, applicable laws, industry regulations, and any other project-specific requirements.
- Advise project teams on legal issues, potential risks, and mitigations.
Risk Management & Dispute Resolution
- Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Manage disputes, claims, and litigation that may arise during the project.
- Serve as a point of contact for dispute resolution processes, collaborating with external counsel as necessary.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Collaborate with internal CWA functions (e.g. Governance, Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Commercial and Legal) to ensure legal alignment with business objectives.
- Work with the Client, the Implementation Participants and other external stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and government agencies, to manage compliance and regulatory requirements effectively.
Documentation & Record Management
- Oversee the preparation, documentation, and storage of all relevant legal agreements and correspondences relating to compliance and regulatory matters under the PAA.
- Maintain accurate records to ensure easy retrieval for audits, dispute resolution, and compliance checks.
Regulatory Monitoring & Policy Development
- Monitor U.K. compliance and regulatory law developments and ensure project compliance.
- Develop and implement internal policies and guidelines to enhance legal compliance and risk management practices.
Training & Guidance
- Provide training and resources to project teams on compliance and regulatory requirements under the PAA and the CWA’s applicable policies, procedures and processes.
- Serve as a legal point of reference, offering guidance to ensure team alignment with contractual terms and legal standards.
What are we looking for?
Knowledge & Skills
- Expertise in compliance and regulatory matters from a U.K. perspective.
- Experience in developing and implementing processes, procedures, policies and documentation to help embed compliance and regulatory requirements into major project teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Proficient in risk management, with experience in dispute resolution.
- Ability to work independently and handle complex legal matters effectively.
- Attention to Detail: Accurate in contract drafting and reviewing to ensure compliance and protect the organisation’s interests.
- Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication to explain complex legal issues to non-legal team members and stakeholders.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align legal advice with the project’s long-term objectives.
- Resilience & Adaptability: Able to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving project demands and challenges.
- Team player and relationship manager across multiple stakeholders with a strong work ethic.
- Commercial awareness.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to operate in a range of environments.
- Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills.
- MS Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point to a high standard.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified solicitor in the U.K., with a focus on compliance and regulatory matters.
- Minimum of 4 years of post-qualification experience focussing on compliance and regulatory matters, either in private practice or as part of an in-house Legal team within a company operating in the UK’s construction / infrastructure sector.
- Experience of working on high-value energy/infrastructure projects desired, but not essential.
What we will offer you?
The CWA is a single delivery organisation made of up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.
About Us
The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity. By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV.
Senior Legal Counsel - Compliance employer: CWA
Joining the Civil Works Alliance (CWA) as a Senior Legal Counsel - Compliance offers you the chance to be part of a transformative project that will shape the UK's energy future. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture grounded in respect and positivity, and competitive benefits including market-leading salaries and flexible working options, CWA is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where your contributions are valued. This role not only provides the opportunity to work on high-impact infrastructure projects but also encourages you to bring your whole self to work, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Sizewell C or the Civil Works Alliance. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make those connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Legal Counsel role and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around compliance and regulatory matters. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in compliance and regulatory matters, especially in high-value energy or infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of U.K. laws and regulations relevant to our work.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. We love candidates who can think strategically and manage risks effectively, so share those experiences that demonstrate your analytical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at the CWA!
How to prepare for a job interview at CWA
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK compliance and regulatory laws, especially those relevant to the energy and infrastructure sectors. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific compliance requirements mentioned in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've aligned legal advice with long-term project objectives in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and contribute to the overall success of the Sizewell C project.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience collaborating with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps between legal and non-legal team members.
✨Prepare for Risk Management Questions
Expect questions about identifying and mitigating legal risks. Have a few scenarios ready where you've successfully managed disputes or claims, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and resilience in challenging situations.
