At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial, corporate, and regulatory matters while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join SONI, a leader in sustainable energy management in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years' experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports flexible working.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Commercial Solicitor role at EirGrid Group.
Role Details
- Reports to: Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Legal
- Location: Castlereagh House, Belfast (Hybrid)
About Us
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) manages and develops Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system. We play a leading role in powering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our workplace is collaborative, supportive and mission driven. We value diverse perspectives, continuous learning and a culture where everyone can thrive. If you're passionate about contributing to a greener future and want to grow your career in a supportive professional environment, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a legal professional who enjoys working on varied and meaningful work across commercial, corporate, procurement and regulatory matters. You will join a growing inhouse legal team where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional development are core values. You will contribute to SONI's strategic objectives by providing accessible, solution focused legal advice and working closely with colleagues across the business.
You Will Be Responsible For:
- Provide legal advice on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to SONI as the Transmission System Operator and Market Operator for Northern Ireland (e.g. planning, environmental law, connection agreements, procurement, competition law and licensing requirements).
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and support the organisation in understanding impacts and required actions.
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements including supply contracts, service level agreements, framework contracts, procurement documentation, IT licences and consultancy agreements.
- Collaborate with regulatory, operational, engineering and commercial teams to support strategic projects (e.g. infrastructure upgrades, network investment, regulatory submissions and capital projects).
- Communicate legal issues clearly and constructively to colleagues who are not legal specialists.
- Assist with managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and other resolution processes.
- Support corporate governance activities including Board support, drafting Board papers, and maintaining statutory registers.
- Build strong partnerships with internal teams, regulators, external advisers, and industry partners.
- Manage relationships with external legal advisors and ensure best value for the organisation.
- Contribute to legal team initiatives, knowledge sharing and organisational learning.
- Undertake additional tasks as reasonably required.
About You
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you feel you have relevant skills.
Essential Criteria:
- Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years' post qualification experience (experience in energy, regulatory or infrastructure sectors is welcome but not essential).
- Ability to manage a varied workload and navigate a range of legal matters across areas such as procurement, commercial contracts, regulation, planning and environment, infrastructure projects and data protection.
- Strong legal and commercial judgement, and able to deliver clear and practical advice.
- Attention to detail and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to shared goals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn new legal areas and develop sector-specific technical understanding.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience in the energy sector, or another regulated industry.
- Experience of working in a large or complex organisation with multidisciplinary teams.
- Interest in climate change action and energy transition.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home) and flexible start/finish times.
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow.
Application Deadline
Closing date for applications is 9 January 2026. Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
Equal Opportunity Statement
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation. We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
Commercial Solicitor in Belfast employer: EirGrid Group
Contact Detail:
EirGrid Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Solicitor in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at EirGrid Group or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of energy law and regulatory matters. Show them you’re not just a legal whiz but also passionate about sustainable energy and how it impacts communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex legal issues to non-legal folks, so make sure you can break things down simply and clearly. Role-play with a friend if you can!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Solicitor in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Solicitor role. Highlight any relevant legal work, especially in commercial contracts or regulatory matters, to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the energy sector and how your background makes you the ideal candidate for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration at StudySmarter! In your application, mention examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams. This will help us see how you can contribute to our supportive and mission-driven culture.
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at EirGrid Group
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description, like procurement, commercial contracts, and regulatory obligations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a qualified lawyer, but someone who understands the specific needs of SONI.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since teamwork is a core value at SONI, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues, as this will demonstrate your fit for their supportive and mission-driven culture.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with recent changes in legislation and regulations that impact the energy sector. Showing that you’re proactive about staying informed will impress the interviewers and prove that you can provide valuable, solution-focused legal advice.
✨Express Your Passion for Sustainability
SONI is all about contributing to a greener future, so don’t shy away from discussing your interest in climate change action and energy transition. Sharing your passion will resonate with their mission and help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their values.