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- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal services for exciting water infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in sustainable practices and climate action.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, generous pension, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on environmental impact and career growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years experience and strong commercial awareness required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; engage with us to explore your fit!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Commercial Solicitor
Joining Southern Water – a key part of our commitment to delivering a greener future, tackling climate change, and reducing our environmental impact.
Closing Date: 2025-08-15
Job Title: Commercial Solicitor
Location: Worthing, West Sussex (2 days per week)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: ÂŁcompetitive
Job Overview
Provide high‑quality commercial legal services to the Engineering & Capital Delivery function. Focus on Southern Water’s water resources infrastructure programme, the Water for Life Hampshire (WfLH) Programme – especially the Thames to Southern Transfer (T2ST) and Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programmes. Responsibilities include:
- Advising on legal ramifications and structuring across a wide range of commercial arrangements, capital projects, transactions, and contracts.
- Drafting, negotiating, and settling various commercial contracts.
- Providing expertise on public procurement regulations and practical procurement issues, serving as guardian of relevant legal policies and supplying standardised procurement and commercial agreements.
- Offering legal guidance on complex engineering and construction arrangements in collaboration with the Senior Commercial Solicitor.
- Managing non‑contentious (and early‑stage contentious) engineering and construction matters related to infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects.
About You
- Expertise in law, legal research, contract drafting, and interpretation.
- Proficiency in public procurement law and practice (knowledge of the Direct Procurement for Customers regime is desirable).
- Reliable legal judgement with an appreciation of legal risk.
- Ability to produce sound analysis using secure legal research.
- Strong IT skills, including electronic document production and assembly.
- Highly developed commercial awareness.
- Adept influencer and negotiator.
- Pro‑active and business‑oriented mindset.
- Excellent degree qualification (2:1 or equivalent) or equivalent high‑level academic/professional achievement.
- Qualified lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive) with ideally at least 10 years of post‑qualification experience.
Package & Benefits
The role is full‑time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach between the Worthing office and home. Benefits include:
- Competitive salary and performance‑related bonus.
- Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution.
- Life assurance equal to four times your annual salary.
- Health benefits through a Cash Plan.
- Two paid community volunteering days per year.
- 25 days annual holiday.
- Occupational health service.
- Stars Reward gateway offering discounts and savings on a range of products and experiences.
- Study support available for job‑related qualifications.
- Competitive maternity leave and flexible return‑to‑work options.
Join our Legal team and advance your career with opportunities for training, development, and progression. If you are excited but unsure about meeting every requirement or have concerns about office hours, we will discuss practical solutions – although we cannot accommodate every flexible working request.
We value all employees’ contributions, and our 24/7 incident support underscores our commitment to customer service.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Legal
Industry
Utilities
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Commercial Solicitor employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Southern Water's current projects, especially the Thames to Southern Transfer and Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option programmes. Understanding these initiatives will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your legal expertise can directly contribute to their success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the water and environmental sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into Southern Water's culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on public procurement law and the new Direct Procurement for Customers regime. Being well-versed in these areas will not only enhance your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated on relevant legal frameworks that impact Southern Water's operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with non-contentious engineering and construction matters. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, as this will showcase your ability to handle the challenges presented in the role of Commercial Solicitor.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in commercial law, particularly in areas like public procurement and contract drafting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for contributing to a greener future and how your skills align with the company's mission. Mention your experience with engineering and construction projects, and your understanding of legal risks in commercial arrangements.
Showcase Your Legal Knowledge: During the application process, emphasise your expert knowledge of law and legal research techniques. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal issues in previous roles, especially in relation to public procurement law.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your soft skills such as negotiation, influencing, and commercial awareness. These are crucial for a role that involves advising on diverse commercial projects and working collaboratively with teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Make sure to highlight your knowledge of commercial law, particularly in relation to public procurement and contract drafting. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or projects where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Southern Water is focused on a greener future, so it's essential to show that you understand the intersection of law and environmental issues. Discuss how your legal skills can contribute to sustainable practices within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about past experiences where you had to advise on legal ramifications or negotiate contracts, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company's approach to legal challenges in the engineering sector. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.
