At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to shape the future of clean energy through regulatory law and commercial contracts.
- Company: Be part of NESO, a leader in sustainable energy transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible benefits, and generous leave.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on GB's energy future while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in regulatory law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 105000 £ per year.
About the Role
The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.
The NESO Legal team provides comprehensive legal support to all areas of the NESO organisation and currently comprises 12 lawyers and 2 apprentice trainees. We are looking for an additional lawyer with regulatory law and commercial contracts experience, who has a track record of delivering high quality work and the ability to prioritise through excellent organisation, to join our well-respected in-house legal team.
You will work across a variety of areas within the organisation including electricity connections, energy markets, engineering and customer solutions, system operations and data and AI. Your work will involve understanding NESO’s statutory duties, applying arrangements set out across licences, industry codes and contractual frameworks and preliminary disputes advice and support.
You will work closely with the other NESO Legal team members and stakeholders to help us support and guide NESO on the journey to delivering its challenging and important mandate. This is a full-time role based in Warwick and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.
Key Accountabilities
- Reviewing, drafting and advising on energy code governance, modifications and reform.
- Supporting the full range of balancing services used by NESO to manage electricity flows across the national electricity transmission system including advising on security documentation, drafting and negotiating contract variations and extensions and involvement in the design of new balancing markets’ products.
- Advising on connections offers and agreements, supporting NESO’s role in the end-to-end connections review process and contributing to the development of solutions to emerging generation and demand connections issues.
- Assisting NESO’s system operations’ business by advising on a variety of issues to support the delivery of a secure, sustainable and affordable energy system.
- Considering and advising on information sharing arrangements and supporting NESO’s Digital, Data and Technology team with day-to-day data sharing queries.
- Supporting NESO’s response to emerging legislation and regulatory reform, Ofgem and government consultations and advising on business implications.
- Managing external counsel to ensure timely, accurate and cost-effective advice.
- Delivering presentations and training to the NESO Legal and business teams on relevant legal, regulatory or other topics to drive continuous improvement.
- Supporting the development of more junior team members, including the apprentice trainees.
- Contributing to the development of workflows and processes needed to efficiently scale the legal function.
- Driving your own personal and professional development by exploring learning opportunities which benefit you, NESO Legal and the NESO business as a whole.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.
About You
We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for:
- A solicitor qualified in the UK (preferred) or other common law jurisdiction holding a valid SRA practising certificate.
- Experience working in the regulated sector (ideally energy or utilities) or similar regulatory experience gained within an in-house legal team, at a regulator or in private practice ideally with relevant secondment experience.
- Strong technical legal skills, with experience advising on statutory and licence obligations. Experience advising on energy industry codes and commercial arrangements would be ideal.
- Ability to balance commercial and legal imperatives when managing a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including articulate and numerate drafting, and ability to provide practical, user-friendly advice appropriately tailored to the audience in a clear and concise manner.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to collaborate and work with others across multiple legal and business teams, with a proactive attitude and strong business relationship building skills.
- Resilience in a fast-paced environment and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and adapt to change.
- Strong ethical standards and interest in creating belonging with NESO by embracing diversity and building a high-performing and inclusive team.
- Someone who is passionate about energy and the net zero ambition and who has the willingness to develop commercial awareness of the environment in which NESO operates.
What You'll Get
A competitive salary of £75,000 - £105,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance
About Us
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.
In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.
Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.
The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Energy Regulatory Lawyer - NESO employer: National Energy System Operator
The National Energy System Operator is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Warwick that fosters collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits, including bonuses and a pension scheme, this role not only provides meaningful work in regulatory law but also supports your professional growth in a vital industry focused on sustainability.
Contact Details:
National Energy System Operator Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Energy Regulatory Lawyer - NESO
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We think you need these skills to ace Energy Regulatory Lawyer - NESO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at National Energy System Operator, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in National Energy System Operator and the specific role of Energy Regulatory Lawyer - NESO. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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