AddressAbout us
We are seeking a Senior Energy/Commercial Lawyer with a passion for the energy sector and a deep commitment to contributing to the energy transition. This role is pivotal in navigating and shaping the regulatory landscape within which National Grid operates and in enabling the business with its ambitions.
The UK is on a journey to reach net zero by 2050. The energy sector plays a vital part in helping the country to make this transformational change, but to deliver on this ambition we need people with talent, the drive, and the passion to help us tackle climate change. Constructing new infrastructure and putting in place the associated commercial and regulatory arrangements sits at the heart of realising this ambition. Additional support is therefore needed in the UK Legal team to provide advice to National Grid Electricity Distribution plc (NGED) and other parts of the National Grid group on a wide range of high profile and strategically important commercial legal matters.
You will be a good communicator, able to listen effectively, work closely with colleagues (in the UK Legal team, NGED and National Grid business) on a wide range of commercial matters and related issues.
The role is a permanent, full-time position but flexible or part time working may also be considered. It can be based from our Warwick, Bristol, Castle Donnington or The Strand, London offices.
We operate a Hybrid Working approach with a mix of home and office working to suit the needs of the business and our employees, using technology to ensure we always feel connected. Travel to different office locations may be needed.
What you will be doing
• Providing top-tier legal advice and developing legal strategies for various commercial arrangements (energy services and general commercial)
• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts for goods, services and energy services
• Advising on general commercial/regulatory issues, working closely with UK Legal colleagues
• Advising on connection agreements, Ofgem regulatory matters, NGED’s operating licences and competition law risks
• Leading energy/commercial law aspects of projects and matters; influencing, effectively communicating and advising all levels of business stakeholder within National Grid
• Developing UK Legal team and wider business members
• Consulting on global contracts and Utilities Contract Regulations related to procurement
• Offering ad hoc advice on GDPR and cyber matters, mitigating legal and commercial risks
• Preparing briefs for internal stakeholders, including the Board, and highlighting priority areas for risk mitigation
• Identifying and implementing continuous improvement in business performance, managing commercial and legal risks
• Managing external counsel to ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective advice
• Assisting in drafting precedent contracts and delivering presentations and training on relevant topics
• Contributing to internal projects and using experience to guide UK Legal team members on commercial/energy matters
About you
• Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in commercial law, acquired in private practice and/or within an in-house legal team (likely to have at least 6 years PQE, although all levels of PQE will be considered if you can show the requisite experience)
• Ideally you will have experience of providing regulatory commercial advice in the energy or another regulated sector
• Excellent communicator, also able to listen effectively in a team or business environment and build strong relationships
• Ideally you will have knowledge of procurement law (either public procurement or the Utilities Contract Regulations)
• Capable of using experience and expertise to develop and train other members of the UK Legal team
• Capable of taking the lead on the development of contracting strategy and a credible voice in setting the overall strategy
• Effective project manager with ability to lead and deliver high profile and strategic projects with ability to influence stakeholders
• You will be a natural and instinctive communicator, able to listen effectively and advise at all levels within National Grid while using your experience and expertise to develop other members of the UK Legal team and colleagues in the wider business
• Ability to manage and deliver against competing priorities
• Experience and strong track record in project or relationship management
What we can offer you
A competitive salary – dependent on experience.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 20%, an electric company car or car allowance, 28 days annual leave and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, a salary sacrifice technology scheme, support via the employee assistance line and matched charity giving to name a few.
We will also support with your development during your career with National Grid. #LI-HYBRID #LI-SC1
Further information
The closing date for this vacancy is 21 January 2024 however we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid reserves the right to remove this advert or close it for further applications at any point during the recruitment process.
About us
National Grid touches the lives of almost everyone in the UK, with an energy network that stretches across the Atlantic. We’re an international team, and our work underpins the lives of millions of people. Feet forwards, head up, and eyes bright, we’re working hard to create value for people today – and shape the future of energy tomorrow. In the UK, we don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is the UK's largest electricity distribution network owns and operates the electricity distribution system South Wales, the Midlands and the South West. As a crucial player in the UK's energy sector, NGED maintains and operates an extensive network of cables and substations, ensuring a constant and safe supply of electricity. Our role is key in enabling the transition to a low carbon energy system by designing and building the generation and demand connections and wider infrastructure needed to meet the UK’s ambitious net zero targets.
There’s never been a better time to work in energy. It’s a time of opportunity and transformation as we strive to provide a greener, cleaner energy system for the country. We’re looking for people with the skills and enthusiasm to help deliver for our customers today and build an energy network that’s fit for the future. In return we can offer you the chance to make a real impact at work.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
