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- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice and support major projects in the water sector.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the regulator shaping the future of water in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in the water industry and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Qualified commercial or projects lawyer with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a nonâministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. We have an opportunity for two Principal Legal Advisers to join our Legal Team within the Office of the Chief Executive Directorate.
The water sector is entering a new chapter. Following the Independent Water Commission's final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction â one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. Ofwat will be working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We're also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.
While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you're passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.
We are seeking qualified commercial or projects lawyers to work with the Legal Director: Major Projects in supporting the Major Projects team as it develops the competitive commercial models for delivering this pipeline of major projects. We expect you to use your legal expertise and judgement to help develop and test commercial operating models, facilitating the scrutiny of delivery plans, and helping to resolve emerging issues, thereby building confidence in the deliverability of the pipeline of projects, with government, investors and the delivery market. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the sustainability and resilience of our water resources.
Key Deliverables
- Provide high quality, timely and solutionsâfocused legal advice â in particular to the Major Projects team.
- Work with the Major Projects team in developing and delivering strategically focused policy which is legally robust.
- Advise on the development of robust commercial arrangements required for the delivery of major projects.
- Be an adaptable thinker and incorporate wider considerations into your work, helping to identify and manage organisational risks.
- Demonstrate good judgement to create clarity and build trust through effective communication and collaboration.
- Proactively share skills and knowledge, and support others in doing so.
- Support Ofwat's external relationships with law firms and legal counsel, other regulators and government and water companies.
Location: Birmingham, London
Contract type: Loan, Permanent, Secondment
Profession: Adviser, Legal, Principal
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 25/01/2026
Principal Legal Adviser in Birmingham employer: UK Regulators' Network
Contact Detail:
UK Regulators' Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Principal Legal Adviser in Birmingham
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water sector, especially those at Ofwat. Attend industry events or webinars and donât be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ofwatâs recent projects and initiatives. Show us youâre not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the water sector. Tailor your answers to reflect our mission and values.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your legal scenarios! Think about how you would approach real-life issues that Ofwat faces. This will help you articulate your thought process during interviews and show us youâre ready to tackle challenges head-on.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us youâre genuinely interested in joining Ofwat and being part of our mission to improve the water sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Legal Adviser in Birmingham
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Principal Legal Adviser. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Ofwat, so donât hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise: In your written application, emphasise your legal knowledge and experience, especially in commercial or projects law. Weâre looking for someone who can provide high-quality, solutions-focused legal advice, so make sure to include examples that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down complex information and make it digestible for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, itâs the best way to stay updated on your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
â¨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in water regulation and commercial law. Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's recent initiatives and how they align with government policies. This will show that you're not just a qualified lawyer, but someone who is genuinely interested in the sector.
â¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. Think about times when you had to develop innovative solutions or navigate tricky negotiations. This role requires adaptability, so demonstrating your ability to think on your feet will impress the interviewers.
â¨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing legal concepts. You might be asked to explain complex ideas to non-legal stakeholders, so being able to simplify your language will be a huge plus.
â¨Engage with Their Mission
Ofwat is all about making a positive impact on water resources. Show your passion for sustainability and how your values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and what excites you about the opportunity to work with them.
