Legal Counsel in Carlisle

Location can be based at our London Bridge office, Carlisle, or Home based. Hemiko are seeking to recruit a Legal Counsel to support the delivery of our portfolio of large-scale district heating schemes. This role is ideal for a lawyer with a minimum of circa 4 years of post-qualification experience and a strong interest in infrastructure, clean/renewable energy and/or PPP projects.

The successful candidate will gain experience across a wide range of specialisms including commercial contracts, corporate work, project finance, construction and real estate. The role is well suited to a lawyer with a specialism in commercial or projects matters (including construction), however we are happy to hear from candidates from other backgrounds with an interest in developing a broader skillset.

The successful candidate has the opportunity to be part of a business that is looking to scale its operations, with genuine opportunities for progression as the organisation expands. The successful candidate will work closely with our General Counsel, C-suite and other senior colleagues across the business, gaining an understanding of commercial aspects of project delivery to supplement their legal skills.

We appreciate that no one’s circumstances are the same and having the flexibility in working environments work is essential to our wellbeing. If this is significant to you let us know when you apply, and we will discuss how this could work in your role.

Hemiko strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from anyone regardless of ethnic origin, gender, gender expression, disability, age, trade union activity, marital status, religious belief, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. We are Armed Forces friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

About Hemiko: Hemiko is a leading UK heat networks investor and developer. We are a fast-growing, dynamic business, backed by CVC DIF and looking to invest in and deliver over £1bn of heat network projects by 2030. We are at the forefront of a growing sector, delivering major infrastructure projects that will decarbonise heating for towns and cities.

The Role: Hemiko are seeking a Legal Counsel to support the delivery of our portfolio of large-scale district heating schemes across the UK. The successful candidate will gain experience of providing legal guidance across the full lifecycle of energy projects from development and financing, through to construction and operation. In addition, the appointed candidate will work support with wider legal matters across the business, including M&A, regulatory compliance and other operational matters.

The role offers a significant opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their career in a collaborative environment working directly with the General Counsel and C-suite. Access to key commercial decision makers allows the legal counsel to have real input into the strategy of the business, gaining important commercial experience to supplement their core legal skills.

The fast-growing nature of the business provides a genuine opportunity for progression as the organisation expands, with the successful candidate having the chance to be part of building and leading a first-class legal team to support wider business needs. In addition, this is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the UK district market as a whole. Hemiko is a market leader in a nascent and rapidly evolving industry, responsible for developing and delivering some of the most exciting and high-profile projects in the sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Legal Counsel will support the General Counsel on legal and contractual matters across the business with a particular focus on the legal and contractual aspects of developing and contracting new district heat network opportunities.
• Supporting in managing legal input on all contractual aspects of Hemiko’s district heating proposition including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating key project agreements (i.e. development agreements, concessions and offtake agreement).
• Supporting with supply chain contracts and operational matters for projects under construction (including in relation to contractual interpretation or compliance).
• Coordinating and liaising with external legal advisors to ensure timely and commercially-focused legal advice on projects, acquisitions and joint ventures.
• Helping to manage legal risk and compliance with relevant regulatory and statutory obligations (e.g., heat network regulation, grant conditions, planning etc).
• Contributing to internal legal knowledge management and supporting the development of contract templates and precedent documents.
• Providing day-to-day legal support to cross-functional teams, including Growth, Development, and Operations.
• Tracking legal developments relevant to heat networks and the energy sector, and brief stakeholders accordingly.
• Attending project and governance meetings, preparing legal summaries and approvals papers where required.
• Assisting with the implementation of processes to streamline legal activities e.g. standard form templates, implementation of tech / AI solutions.
• Provide guidance / advice on disputes or team queries as they arise.
• Manage investor consent approvals from CVC DIF as the majority shareholder.

Candidate Profile:

We are looking for someone who is driven, approachable, and well organised. The candidate will need to be comfortable drafting and reviewing contracts, developing new and innovative approaches and solutions, working with senior internal and external stakeholders from a non-legal background in a fast paced and challenging environment.

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with circa 4 years PQE or more. Strong interest or prior experience in infrastructure, energy, or public-private partnership projects. Excellent legal drafting and analytical skills with strong attention to detail. Strong communicator with the ability to explain legal issues clearly. Proactive and able to work autonomously and manage a varied workload. Ability to approach new issues strategically and identify pragmatic solutions or where further specialist advice or support is required. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Confident in identifying and analysing risk and providing commercially‑focussed advice to key stakeholders.

A candidate with experience in some or all of the below would be preferred however we are happy to hear from candidates from a wide range of backgrounds with a willingness to develop a broader skillset:

• Experience in district heating or advising on other major infrastructure or energy projects.
• Experience in transactional construction or construction dispute resolution, with an understanding of JCT, NEC4 and / or FIDIC forms of contracts.
• Real estate experience including options, leases, and approvals related to project development.
• Experience of M&A and investment transactions—including share purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and development services agreements.
• Project financing experience, ensuring commercially viable and legally robust financing structures.
• Familiarity with public sector contracting models, public procurement, PFI or public sector grant funding schemes (e.g. Green Heat Network Fund).
• Experience in working with infrastructure or private equity investors.

Remuneration and Info:

Competitive salary (depending on experience). Discretionary bonus based on individual and business performance. Flexible hybrid working and a supportive, inclusive workplace. Opportunity for home-working if preferred. Ongoing learning and development opportunities. Holidays 25 days a year plus statutory holidays - with an option to purchase, or sell, up to an additional 5 days per annual leave year. Cycle to work scheme. Electric Car lease scheme. Health and well-being support. Company PC/laptop, etc.

Application:

This is a high-impact role in a dynamic and innovative clean energy business. If you’re looking to apply your legal expertise to drive real change in the energy transition, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please complete the online application form on BambooHR.