Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support on commercial, corporate, and regulatory matters in the energy sector.
- Company: Join SONI, a key player in Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexible hours, and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-driven organisation focused on a sustainable energy future.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least 2 years' experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional development and diverse backgrounds welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to be representing SONI, who are currently recruiting for a Commercial Solicitor to join its growing in-house legal team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at Castlereagh House, Belfast, with hybrid working available. SONI manages and develops Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system and plays a central role in delivering a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy future. With significant investment planned across the electricity network, this is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to join a mission-driven organisation at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Legal, the successful Commercial Solicitor will provide legal support across a broad range of commercial, corporate, procurement and regulatory matters, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive in-house legal team, contributing to SONI's strategic objectives by delivering clear, practical and solutions-focused legal advice. The role offers exposure to high-profile infrastructure and energy projects and the opportunity to develop sector-specific expertise within a regulated environment.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to SONI as Transmission System Operator and Market Operator for Northern Ireland, including planning, environmental law, procurement, competition law, licensing and connection agreements.
- Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and supporting the organisation in understanding impacts and required actions.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, including supply contracts, service level agreements, frameworks, procurement documentation, IT licences and consultancy agreements.
- Working closely with regulatory, operational, engineering and commercial teams to support strategic projects, including infrastructure upgrades, network investment and capital projects.
- Communicating legal issues clearly and constructively to colleagues who are not legal specialists.
- Assisting with dispute management, including litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
- Supporting corporate governance activities, including Board support, drafting Board papers and maintaining statutory registers.
- Managing relationships with external legal advisers to ensure best value for the organisation.
- Contributing to legal team initiatives, knowledge sharing and continuous organisational learning.
The Person
The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer who enjoys working across a varied workload and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Essential criteria:
- Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience.
- Ability to advise across a range of legal areas including commercial contracts, procurement, regulation, planning and environmental law, infrastructure projects and data protection.
- Strong legal and commercial judgement with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
- High attention to detail and a collaborative approach to working.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn new legal areas and develop sector-specific knowledge.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience in the energy sector or another regulated industry.
- Experience working within a large or complex organisation.
- Interest in climate change action and the energy transition.
Package
SONI offers a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover and pension matching, alongside excellent benefits including hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home), flexible start and finish times, enhanced holidays, wellbeing days and family-friendly policies. Additional benefits include salary sacrifice schemes (cycle to work and EV), free car parking, onsite EV charging, complimentary lunch and access to professional development with clear career progression pathways. SONI is proud to offer an inclusive and flexible working culture and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful in-house legal role within the energy sector, we would love to hear from you. To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Ryan Calvert, Divisional Head of Recruitment at MCS Group 028 9023 5456. Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs.
Yesterday BBBH61898 Commercial Solicitor - In-House - Energy Sector Negotiable Belfast employer: MCS Group
Contact Detail:
MCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Yesterday BBBH61898 Commercial Solicitor - In-House - Energy Sector Negotiable Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the energy sector or legal field. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. 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 SONI and its role in the energy sector. Understand their projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Commercial Solicitor, you'll need to explain complex legal issues to non-legal colleagues. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable breaking down legal jargon into simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won't find anywhere else. So, get your CV ready and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Yesterday BBBH61898 Commercial Solicitor - In-House - Energy Sector Negotiable Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Commercial Solicitor role. Highlight your experience in commercial contracts, procurement, and regulatory matters to show us you’re a great fit for SONI.
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 aligns with SONI's mission. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. We love a team player who can communicate legal issues clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our mission-driven team at SONI!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description, like commercial contracts, procurement, and environmental law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a qualified solicitor, but someone who understands the specific challenges SONI faces in the energy sector.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues. This will demonstrate that you’re a team player who can fit into their supportive culture.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends and legislative changes in the energy sector. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the industry will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role and the mission of SONI.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about SONI's strategic objectives, upcoming projects, or how the legal team supports the organisation's goals. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about contributing to their mission-driven work, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you.
