About the role
At National Grid, we're transforming energy networks across the UK and US to meet the demands of the future — with safety at the heart of everything we do.
We are recruiting a qualified solicitor or barrister, with significant experience in commercial and/or construction law, particularly in an energy industry context.
The UK is on a journey to reach net zero by 2050. National Grid Ventures (NGV) sits at the heart of helping the country to make this transformational change though the development of first of their kind projects and the operation of NetZero Projects. To deliver on its ambition, need people with talent, the drive, and the passion to help us tackle climate change.
We have a need for a senior lawyer in the NGV Legal team to act primarily as Legal Counsel to the Nemo Link interconnector joint venture, together with broader portfolio advice across National Grid Interconnectors
We operate a Hybrid Working approach and this role can be based in either at our Warwick office or The Strand, London.
What you'll do
* Responsible for delivering first class legal advice and steering, developing and delivering appropriate commercially focused legal strategy for a wide variety of contractual and commercial arrangements including contractual arrangements for projects, construction asset procurement, outsourcing, IT, IP and other contracts.
* Mitigating legal and commercial risks and agree and implement action plans to address issues to ensure timely delivery of changes or corrective actions.
* Representing NGV Legal at internal meetings where legal support is required including highlighting priority areas requiring the mitigation of legal and commercial risk and agreeing plans to address issues to ensure timely delivery of changes or corrective actions.
* Drafting briefing notes to internal stakeholders (including the Nemo Link Management Committee and Board of Directors) where appropriate.
* Identify and assist with the implementation of continuous improvement to deliver on-going improvements in business performance.
* Manage external counsel to deliver timely drafting and other advice that accurately and effectively implements agreed commercial principles or business strategy to a high standard, within budget and demonstrably driving value for money. This will include building strong working relationships with external counsel.
* Work with other members of NGV Legal and deliver specific expert support in the conduct of commercial disputes and to facilitate external lawyers to deliver timely support to a high standard.
* Deliver insightful and easy to understand presentations and training on relevant commercial/regulatory topics or other topics to drive continuous improvement within both the NGV Legal team and the relevant business units.
* Contribute to ad hoc internal projects within National Grid Legal.
* Use your experience to develop and supervise other members of NGV Legal team on commercial/energy matters.
Working alongside other stakeholders to provide legal support on a wide-ranging portfolio of legal work relating to electricity interconnectors. Such work will include.
* Commercial contract negotiations and drafting across a matrix of contracts which support NGV interconnector projects (these may include construction agreements utilising industry standard forms);
* Regulatory and compliance advice in the context of a portfolio of licenced and regulated energy infrastructure assets;
* Risk management and governance, leading these aspects for Nemo Link with the support of a Risk and Assurance Manager and preparing for and attending Board meetings.
What you'll need
* 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 commercial advice in the energy or another regulated sector or a willingness to learn (regulatory training will be given where necessary).
* Ideally you will have experience of Construction Law and ideally use of NEC and other standard forms.
* Excellent communicator, also able to listen effectively in a team or business environment and build strong relationships.
* It would be desirable for you to have knowledge of regulatory and commercial frameworks as applicable to the UK and EU energy markets including UK industry codes, energy licences, electricity trading arrangements etc. However training and knowledge in these areas can be developed within role if necessary.
* Capable of using experience and expertise to develop and train other members of the Legal team.
* Capable of taking the lead on the development of legal strategy and a credible voice in contributing to overall commercial/operational strategy.
* Effective project manager with ability to lead and deliver high profile and strategic projects with ability to influence through broad range of internal and external contacts.
* Ability to manage and deliver against competing priorities.
* Experience and strong track record in project or relationship management.
* Working knowledge of French or Dutch would be desirable.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £86,000 - £100,000 per annum– dependent on capability.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance with on target being 20% (with a maximum of 40%) and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also receive private medical insurance and the option to a full EV company car or cash alternative. Additionally, you will have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
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. National Grid Ventures operates a broad mix of energy assets and businesses in the UK and US. We provide competitive products and services for our customers to help accelerate the development of our clean energy future.
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.
More Information
The closing date for this vacancy is Wednesday 4th March at 23:59, 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.
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.
National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin