General Counsel (Clean Energy)

Cyan Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm in Greater London is seeking an experienced General Counsel to build and lead their legal function. The role involves developing legal strategies, managing contracts, and overseeing compliance with industry regulations. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with significant experience in energy, project finance, and commercial negotiations. This is a strategic role, closely partnering with executive leadership to guide the firm's growth across its asset lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Qualified England & Wales solicitor with approximately 10+ years of post-qualification experience.
• Strong background in energy, project finance, infrastructure, or renewables.
• Ability to negotiate commercial, construction, and financing agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop the legal strategy and governance framework for the organization.
• Oversee M&A processes, joint ventures, and SPV acquisitions.
• Manage dispute resolution and litigation as required.

Skills

Negotiating commercial agreements

Project finance knowledge

Understanding of financing structures

Education

Qualified solicitor of England & Wales (circa 10 PQE+)

Job description

Our client, a well capitalised renewable energy platform who Cyan Partners have partnered up with exclusively, is seeking its first General Counsel, a strategic, commercially minded legal leader who will build, lead, and scale the legal function from the ground up. This is a company-defining hire who will partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to shape their growth across the entire asset lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities(Expanded on via the full JD to be shared post an introductory conversation)

1. Legal Strategy, Leadership & Governance:Including developing an external counsel strategy, and budgeting.
2. Project Development, Construction & Commercial Delivery:Including PPAs for rooftop and ground mount direct wire or VPAA sites as well as EPC and O&M contracts across solar and BESS portfolios.
3. Contracting, Deal Structuring & Strategic Partnerships
4. Financing, Capital Markets, M&A & Corporate Transactions:Including overseeing M&A processes, joint ventures, and SPV acquisitions.
5. Regulatory, Compliance & Legal Risk Management, Administrative:Including advising on Ofgem rules, grid codes, and renewable energy frameworks as well as supporting the scaling of legal and contractual processes, facilitating agile decision-making within a strong governance framework.
6. Dispute Management & Litigation

Experience & Skills Required

• An England & Wales Qualified solicitor of circa. 10PQE+.
• Strong background in energy, project finance, infrastructure, or renewables.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate commercial, construction, and financing agreements.
• Deep understanding of financing structures and lender requirements.
• Experience of rooftop leases and real estate is desirable.