At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and provide counsel on governance, compliance, and commercial matters.
- Company: Join Pennon Group, a leader in water and renewables, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying a strong sense of purpose and career growth.
- Other info: Diversity is our strength; we celebrate uniqueness and foster an inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence decisions at the highest level in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant in-house legal leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. At Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power, we're leading the way in water and renewables.
We're proud to be recognised as a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
We are seeking an exceptional General Counsel to provide strategic legal leadership across the Group and act as a trusted advisor to the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-profile listed business at a pivotal time for the sector, helping to navigate complex regulatory, commercial and governance challenges while enabling the delivery of Pennon's long-term strategy.
The Role
As General Counsel, you will be the Group's most senior legal advisor, providing commercially focused legal counsel across a broad range of strategic matters including:
- Corporate governance and Board advisory support.
- Regulatory and compliance matters.
- Major capital and infrastructure programmes.
- Commercial contracts and strategic procurements.
- Corporate transactions, acquisitions and partnerships.
- Litigation, dispute resolution and risk management.
- ESG, sustainability and emerging regulatory obligations.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, ensuring legal considerations are fully integrated into decision-making while helping the business achieve its strategic objectives. This role requires someone who can balance strong legal judgement with commercial pragmatism, influencing at the highest levels while building trusted relationships across the Group.
About You
We're looking for an experienced legal leader who combines outstanding technical expertise with business acumen and executive presence. You will bring:
- Qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales.
- Significant post-qualification experience, including senior in-house legal leadership.
- Experience operating within a regulated industry environment.
- Strong corporate governance and Board advisory expertise.
- A track record of advising on complex commercial, strategic and regulatory matters.
- Proven ability to influence Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
- Experience leading legal teams and managing external legal partners.
- Experience within utilities, infrastructure, environmental services or other highly regulated sectors would be advantageous.
What Will Make You Successful?
You will thrive in this role if you are motivated by:
- Influencing strategic business decisions.
- Solving complex and high-profile challenges.
- Protecting and enhancing corporate reputation.
- Leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Supporting sustainable long-term business outcomes.
- Building strong partnerships with Boards, executives, regulators and external stakeholders.
Why Pennon?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a business that delivers services critical to the environment, communities and customers we serve every day. You'll join an organisation with ambitious plans for the future, a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to doing the right thing for customers, colleagues, investors and the environment.
If you're an accomplished legal leader looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, influence at the highest level and help drive the future success of a major UK infrastructure business, we'd love to hear from you.
Advert Closing Date: Wednesday 19th August 2026.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory Enhanced National Security Vetting to SC Level as part of the onboarding process and any offer of employment will be subject to successfully passing the checks that handled by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). To attain SC candidates will need to have held residency in the UK for the past 5 years.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
General Counsel in Devon employer: Pennon Group
At Pennon Group, we offer a dynamic work environment where our In-House Legal Counsel can thrive while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture and opportunities for professional development, all set against the backdrop of our leadership in the UK water sector. Join us in driving purpose and innovation as we work towards a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel in Devon
✨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 Pennon Group, 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 General Counsel in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Pennon Group, 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 Pennon Group and the specific role of General Counsel. 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 Pennon Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨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 Pennon Group.
✨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 Pennon Group.
