Commercial Lawyer – NESO
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals and is seeking an experienced commercial lawyer to join our in‑house legal team. The role supports a variety of commercial, corporate and regulatory matters with a particular focus on technology and AI.
Location & Working Arrangement
Based in either Warwick or Wokingham. Hybrid working with an initial requirement of 2‑3 days per week in office during the first two months, then a minimum of 1‑2 days per week thereafter. Full‑time, part‑time and flexible arrangements are welcomed.
Key Accountabilities
* Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements with suppliers and third parties.
* Take a proactive problem‑solving approach to efficiently negotiate and finalise agreements while advising business leaders on acceptable risk aligned with the organisation’s objectives, risk tolerance and compliance requirements.
* Provide practical and business‑oriented legal advice to internal stakeholders.
* Advise on dispute resolution strategies and assist in resolving contractual disputes.
* Develop and maintain standardised templates and contract negotiation playbooks.
* Highlight priority areas requiring legal support and collaborate with business partners to address issues.
* Collaborate cross‑functionally on legal, regulatory and corporate matters.
* Support the development of junior team members, including apprentice trainees.
* Contribute to the development of workflows and processes to efficiently scale the legal function.
* Create and present training materials to business teams on a variety of issues, including legal best practices and current legal/regulatory matters.
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor in the UK (preferred) or other common law jurisdiction holding a valid SRA practising certificate.
* Previous in‑house experience (or private practice lawyers with good secondment experience).
* Strong technical legal skills with substantial experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts, especially technology‑related agreements.
* Experience with data privacy matters highly desirable.
* Public sector procurement contract experience highly desirable.
* Ability to balance commercial and legal imperatives when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting and communicating legal issues and solutions clearly and concisely.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
* Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
* Collaborative across multiple legal and business teams.
* High ethical standards.
* Passion for energy and the net‑zero ambition, and drive to support the business in its ambitions.
Benefits
A competitive salary between £75,000 and £85,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and capability.
Plus a bonus of up to 15 % of salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave, and a contributory pension scheme with the company matching up to 12 % of your contribution.
Additional benefits include a comprehensive package supporting well‑being, flexible work arrangements, ongoing skill development and a supportive community.
About Us
The creation of NESO is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. It is an independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system, licenced and regulated by Ofgem.
More Information
This role closes on 20/01/2026 at 23:59. We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible.
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