At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal support for major energy projects and navigate complex legal challenges.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the energy sector committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and a diverse, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy transition while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in infrastructure and project development law.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving.
But it’s so much more than that.
National Grid provides the environment for our teams to thrive and make a real impact.
As we drive momentum in the energy transition for all, we are committed to ensuring that every employee feels empowered and engaged.
A senior projects and infrastructure solicitor role for someone with a passion for the energy sector and a commitment to contributing to the energy transition.
You will be a strong communicator and trusted business partner, able to listen effectively, collaborate with UK Legal colleagues and business teams, and provide clear, pragmatic and risk-based advice to stakeholders at all levels.
The role provides strategic legal support across National Grid's largest and most complex major projects, including major transmission infrastructure, network reinforcement, strategic investment and energy transition projects.
The role will help the business translate investment decisions into safe, timely and value-focused delivery outcomes while managing legal and commercial risk across the full project lifecycle.
Working closely with the CCD Associate General Counsel and senior leadership teams, the role leads the development and delivery of legal strategies for major projects and capital programmes, supporting successful procurement, construction, delivery, operation and close-out.
A core component of the role is supporting innovative and efficient legal service delivery using legal technology, digital tools and scalable ways of working.
What You'll Do
- Provide excellent, pragmatic legal advice and develop legal strategies for National Grid's most significant infrastructure and capital delivery projects.
- Work alongside the CCD Associate General Counsel to deliver the CCD Legal team objectives and support the wider UK General Counsel function.
- Support project teams in developing and implementing effective contracting and delivery strategies that balance legal, commercial and operational objectives.
- Advise on project delivery models, alliance arrangements, EPC and construction contracts, framework arrangements, strategic supplier relationships and other complex infrastructure contracting structures.
- Support project teams in navigating project risks, delays, cost escalation, change control, disputes, claims and contractual performance issues.
- Lead on legal aspects of major project governance and investment decision-making, ensuring legal risks are identified, managed and escalated appropriately.
- Influence, effectively communicate with and advise senior stakeholders across National Grid, including executive leadership teams and programme boards, to lead and operate with impact to drive resolutions.
- Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of complex agreements, including construction contracts, framework agreements, collaboration arrangements, project delivery agreements and strategic supplier contracts.
- Support the delivery of major project procurement strategies in collaboration with the broader Commercial & Capital Delivery team.
- Support legal governance and assurance by promoting consistent and proportionate decision-making across major programmes.
- Represent UK Legal at programme boards, steering groups and internal governance forums.
- Identify and implement continuous improvements in business performance, including development of playbooks, contract standards, project guidance materials and legal process improvements.
- Manage external counsel and specialist advisers to deliver timely, commercially focused and cost-effective support.
- Support the GC function in driving digital transformation, including the implementation of legal technology, automation and AI-enabled solutions that improve legal service delivery.
- Champion innovation within the CCD Legal team, identifying opportunities to use technology, data and new ways of working to improve support provided to capital delivery and programme stakeholders.
- What You'll Have
- Strong understanding of infrastructure, construction and project development law within the energy, utilities, infrastructure or other regulated sectors.
Experience of dispute resolution/contentious work to achieve commercial resolutions is also an advantage.
- Strong knowledge of major project delivery models, construction contracts, framework arrangements, programme governance and project risk allocation.
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation and advisory experience, ideally involving complex infrastructure, engineering, construction, capital delivery and strategic investment programmes.
- Ability to manage legal risk, balance legal and commercial considerations and provide strategic, practical and risk-based legal advice.
- Strong understanding of the legal challenges associated with large-scale capital delivery programmes, including delay, change, claims, disputes, supplier performance and programme governance.
- Able to work at a strategic level with senior stakeholders while managing multiple complex projects, competing priorities with ambiguity.
- Curious mindset to promote challenge, while adopting a commercially flexible outlook to drive meaningful resolution of issues.
- Experience advising senior leaders on high-profile and business-critical projects.
- Experience working with external counsel and specialist advisers while maintaining quality, value for money and efficient delivery.
- Demonstrable experience acting as a trusted adviser and influencing complex stakeholder groups across legal, commercial, engineering, operational and regulatory disciplines.
- Qualified solicitor with strong experience advising on energy, infrastructure, construction, commercial or commercial projects acquired in private practice and/or in-house.
- Likely to have at least 7 years' PQE, although all levels of PQE will be considered where the candidate can demonstrate the requisite technical expertise, judgement, stakeholder-management skills and ability to operate at a senior level.
- What You'll Get
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance with on target being 20% (with a maximum of 40%) and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%, Private Medical Insurance, A company electric vehicle or cash alternative, plus many more flexible benefits. such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people.
Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be.
We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture.
All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need.
We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
More Information
#LI-NK1 #LI-Counsel #LI-Infrastructure #LI-construction #LI-regulated #LI-Warwick #LI-London
This position will work a hybrid schedule w/ the office being in Warwick or London.
Further Information
The closing date for this vacancy is Midnight 12 November, with interviews due to take place w/c November 19 onwards.
We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date.
National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary.
We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.
About us
Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses.
We are there when people need us the most.
We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.
The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating, and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.
To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow.
This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people.
Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be.
We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture.
All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need.
We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, reson…
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.
From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do
Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do.
It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work.
It’s all this, and so much more.
We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.
We offer a competitive base salary, with annual reviews to ensure it reflects the market rate for your role, skills, knowledge, and experience.
Incentive Pay
Depending on your role, you'll be eligible for an annual performance bonus that rewards your contribution to our success.
Your bonus is a percentage of eligible earnings and may vary each year.
Recognition
Our global recognition program lets you thank and reward colleagues for their contributions, along with career milestone awards to celebrate key achievements.
Retirement
We offer a generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.
For every £1 you contribute, we'll add £2.
You can also make extra voluntary contributions to boost your retirement savings.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Legal Director - Major Projects in London employer: National Grid plc
National Grid plc is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Warwick, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Transformation Portfolio Analyst, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training in cutting-edge tools like Power BI and Excel. Join us to be part of a team that values your insights and contributions towards shaping the future of the UK's critical infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director - Major Projects in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including National Grid plc, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director - Major Projects in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at National Grid plc, 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 Grid plc and the specific role of Legal Director - Major Projects. 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.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for National Grid plc’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨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.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
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.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at National Grid plc.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at National Grid plc.
