At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear project.
- Company: Join Sizewell C, a leader in low-carbon energy development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital energy project that shapes the UK's sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning and infrastructure law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Based in Suffolk or in Manchester with travel to Suffolk as required.
Contract: Permanent, full-time.
Salary: Competitive dependant on experience, plus benefits.
Benefits include:
- Annual Leave: 28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus bank holidays.
- Bonus: 5% on target annual bonus.
- Pension Contributions: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 7.5% employee contribution 15% employer contribution.
Closing Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Sizewell C is entering an exciting phase of growth as we mature into an independent organisation and continue building one of the UK’s largest and most important energy projects.
About the Role
You will provide strategic and practical legal advice on all land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear new build project. You will also support Sizewell C in delivering against its planning requirements, advising on compliance with the terms of its DCO, DoO and any other relevant planning permissions, working closely with the planning legal counsel.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders (particularly the land, planning and delivery teams), external advisors, government bodies, and landowners to support the timely, efficient and compliant delivery of the project. The role is central to securing, managing, and protecting the land rights required for one of the UK’s largest and most complex infrastructure developments. The role sits within the Sizewell C legal team, which supports all areas of the Sizewell C project.
About You
We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with significant post-qualification experience in planning, infrastructure, property or environmental law. You will also have:
- Strong experience advising on major infrastructure, energy or development projects.
- Demonstrable experience in land acquisition, property transactions, and compulsory purchase.
- Strong understanding of UK planning and consenting regimes, including DCO processes.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams.
Why Join Us?
Be part of one of the most important low-carbon energy projects in the UK. Work in a mission-driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long-term sustainability. Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Flexible and hybrid working options.
Behavioural Competences
- Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to others' points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
- Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
- Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas.
- One team: Working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivering the project outcomes.
- Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Clearer and faster decision making. Drive simplification at all levels.
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.
For this role you must have evidence of right to work in the UK. As a project, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Legal Counsel, Land & Planning (Sizewell C) in Manchester employer: EDF Energy
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and sustainability within one of the UK's most significant low-carbon energy projects. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave and pension contributions, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative and mission-driven culture. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Sizewell C is dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel, Land & Planning (Sizewell C) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Sizewell C's mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experience in land and planning law. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Sizewell C team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel, Land & Planning (Sizewell C) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in planning, infrastructure, and property law, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with land acquisition and compulsory purchase. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our exciting Sizewell C project.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to legal matters, so make sure your writing reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Sizewell C and our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at EDF Energy
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning and consenting regimes, especially DCO processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience in land acquisition and property transactions can directly benefit Sizewell C.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, particularly in multidisciplinary settings. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and promote team alignment.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Sizewell C values pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice. Think of scenarios where you’ve navigated complex legal challenges and come up with effective solutions. Be ready to share these examples during your interview.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Sizewell C's values of humility, positivity, and respect. During the interview, demonstrate how you embody these traits and how they align with your professional approach. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
