We’re seeking a highly motivated team-player to join the legal team. As the Planning and Regulatory Projects Lawyer, you will report to the Senior Regulatory Counsel within Affinity Water’s small in-house legal team, which includes six qualified legal professionals and a trainee, situated within the Finance & Corporate Services Directorate. You will work closely with the Strategic Resource Options (SRO) team, located within the Asset Strategy and Capital Delivery directorate, and collaborate with business stakeholders at all levels of the company.
Externally, you will liaise with our external lawyers, as well as legal and other specialists from water companies and third parties.
This role offers the opportunity to work at the core of major infrastructure projects. The first project, the Grand Union Canal (GUC), is scheduled for completion in 2032. It involves transferring treated wastewater from Severn Trent's recycling centre at Minworth to Affinity Water customers in the Southeast, addressing a predicted water deficit by 2032.
The project is at a critical phase, having completed its first non-statutory consultation in Autumn 2024. Work is progressing through the RAPID scheme, with a statutory consultation planned for early 2026, followed by the Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate. The Planning and Regulatory Projects Lawyer will play a key role, including:
1. Working closely with the SRO team daily, providing advice on planning law to support the GUC and other SRO projects;
2. Advising on the RAPID and DCO processes, managing relationships with external solicitors;
3. Providing advice on commercial aspects of SROs, including collaboration agreements, bulk supply agreements, procurement, and construction contracts.
This position is based at our Head Office in Hatfield, with an expectation of at least two days on-site weekly. It is suitable for candidates seeking full-time or part-time hours.
Experience required:
* 2:1 law degree (or equivalent)
* Qualified solicitor or barrister
* At least 5 years PQE in relevant planning law, preferably related to major infrastructure projects, in-house or private practice
* Experience advising on commercial and construction law contracts
* Excellent legal analytical skills and attention to detail
* Proactive with a strong drive to achieve outcomes
* Experience in water sector, utilities, infrastructure, or construction (desirable)
For the full Job Description, please contact Hayley.savory@affinitywater.co.uk
What We Offer:
* Salary circa £75,000, based on experience
* Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and formal courses
* Entry into the annual bonus scheme
* Annual leave starting from 26 days, increasing with service, plus the option to purchase up to 5 extra days
* A ‘Celebration Day’ to observe personal or religious occasions
* A generous 'double match pension scheme' (company contributions capped at 12%)
* Family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave, and paid Carers Leave
* Menopause and Reasonable Adjustment policies
* Access to the Wellbeing Centre for physical and mental health support
* Discounts at retail outlets and on dental and medical insurance through Tap4Perks
* Disability confident employer commitment
Affinity Water values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
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