Legal Counsel, Land and Planning in Haverhill

Legal Counsel, Land and Planning in Haverhill

Haverhill Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sizewell C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear project.
  • Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's low-carbon energy sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a collaborative team environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vital energy project that shapes the future of sustainable power.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning and infrastructure law.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Sizewell C's business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk. While the company is in the construction phase, the board's principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. The company is maturing to meet all these requirements.

Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway. Sizewell C's construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%. The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C's ambition.

Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.

Location: Based in Suffolk or in Manchester with travel to Suffolk as required.

Contract: Permanent, full‑time.

Salary: Competitive dependant on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include:

  • Annual Leave: 28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus bank holidays.
  • Bonus: 5% on target annual bonus.
  • Pension Contributions: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 7.5% employee contribution, 15% employer contribution.

Closing Date: Thursday 4th June 2026.

Sizewell C is entering an exciting phase of growth as we mature into an independent organisation and continue building one of the UK's largest and most important energy projects.

About the Role

You will provide strategic and practical legal advice on all land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear new build project. You will also support Sizewell C in delivering against its planning requirements, advising on compliance with the terms of its DCO, DoO and any other relevant planning permissions, working closely with the planning legal counsel. You will work closely with internal stakeholders (particularly the land, planning and delivery teams), external advisors, government bodies, and landowners to support the timely, efficient and compliant delivery of the project. The role is central to securing, managing, and protecting the land rights required for one of the UK's largest and most complex infrastructure developments. The role sits within the Sizewell C legal team, which supports all areas of the Sizewell C project.

About You

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with significant post‑qualification experience in planning, infrastructure, property or environmental law. You will also have:

  • Strong experience advising on major infrastructure, energy or development projects.
  • Demonstrable experience in land acquisition, property transactions, and compulsory purchase.
  • Strong understanding of UK planning and consenting regimes, including DCO processes.
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  • The ability to provide pragmatic, solutions‑focused legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams.

Why Join Us?

Be part of one of the most important low‑carbon energy projects in the UK. Work in a mission‑driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long‑term sustainability. Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Flexible and hybrid working options.

Key Competencies

  • Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to other's points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
  • Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
  • Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas.
  • Solidarity: One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivery of the project outcomes.
  • Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Clearer and faster decision making. Drive simplification at all levels.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today. At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work. It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK. Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility that we can explore, we are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and those already holding the right to work in the UK. To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.

Legal Counsel, Land and Planning in Haverhill employer: Sizewell C

Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most significant low-carbon energy projects. With a strong focus on innovation, integrity, and sustainability, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working options, all within a collaborative and mission-driven environment that fosters professional growth and development.

Sizewell C

Contact Details:

Sizewell C Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel, Land and Planning in Haverhill

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Sizewell C. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Sizewell C and its projects. Understand their goals, challenges, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Legal Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions, and be ready to showcase this skill during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Sizewell C and being part of this exciting project. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel, Land and Planning in Haverhill

Legal Advice
Land Acquisition
Property Transactions
Compulsory Purchase
UK Planning and Consenting Regimes
DCO Processes
Drafting Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning, infrastructure, and property law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Sizewell C, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!

Showcase Your Legal Expertise:When writing your application, emphasise your qualifications and post-qualification experience. We’re looking for someone who can provide pragmatic legal advice, so share examples of how you’ve navigated complex legal challenges in past roles.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your achievements and experiences. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Sizewell C. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C

Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning and consenting regimes, especially the DCO processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically in a fast-paced environment.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully advised on major infrastructure or energy projects. Highlight your experience in land acquisition and property transactions, as this will be crucial for the role.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with Sizewell C's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly around innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Engage with Stakeholders

Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've effectively managed stakeholder relationships, as this is key for supporting the timely delivery of the project.