In-House Solicitor (Construction / Commercial) in Bristol

YTL UK Group comprises a range of companies working in the engineering and construction, property development, waste management and renewable energy sectors, as well as Wessex Water, one of the top performing water and sewerage companies in the UK, serving 2.9 million customers across the South West of England. One of the biggest projects in the YTL portfolio is the development of the old Filton airfield in Bristol. This involves the creation of a new neighbourhood from scratch, with a range of residential and commercial properties, as well as the construction of the Bristol arena in the old Brabazon hangar.

What you'll do

We are seeking an experienced construction and engineering/commercial solicitor to provide legal support with this development, covering all areas including construction, operation and management. You will provide tender support, review, negotiate and finalise a range of contractual documents. This includes professional appointments, trade contracts, building contracts, letters of reliance, letters of intent, framework agreements, pre-construction services agreements and ancillary documents, such as collateral warranties, parent company agreements and novation agreements. You will work independently and directly with the leadership of the business (within the framework of the legal team). You will also support with the appointment of consultants and contractors, giving advice on dispute avoidance and dispute management and providing ongoing general legal and commercial support with discrete ad-hoc legal matters. This will involve working closely with various teams, in respect of both the residential/commercial development and the arena project, as well as other group companies involved in delivering the project. This is a non-contentious role, but you may be required to assist the business with claims and disputes, including appropriate communications with insurers. Work on the Brabazon development and YTL Arena would be your primary focus; however, you would be part of the wider legal team, reporting to the Head of Legal and providing support to directors, managers and employees across the wider YTL group, subject to business requirements and as capacity permits. The role will primarily be based at YTL's Filton offices (though a degree of flexible working is available).

What you'll need

You will be a qualified solicitor with a good level of post-qualification experience, covering both construction and engineering contracts and general commercial work, in particular JCT, NEC3 and NEC4 and bespoke building contracts. You will be conversant with different procurement strategies and identifying risk profiles, and structuring projects to mitigate liabilities, risk, exposure, tax, ring-fencing, etc. You will be confident reviewing and commenting on technical and commercial schedules and highlighting issues, risks, exposure, impacts, conflicts, etc. Ideally, you will also have some in-house experience and experience working with large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. As you will support a wide range of internal clients, including senior management, you will be expected to demonstrate confident, effective communication and influencing skills, while also being able to quickly develop positive working relationships with the business. Our professional team is very busy, and we pride ourselves on being able to work to challenging timescales and balance conflicting priorities while still being friendly, supportive, and approachable. You will be able to work with minimum supervision, and your methodical and organised approach will enable you to be flexible when needed and respond positively to the inevitable changes that arise. You will be expected to demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently, but recognise when to escalate matters.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include: Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West; YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350-acre former airfield into an award-winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community; YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors; YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses. Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group. We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.