Head of Legal UK & Ireland

Hitachi ABB Power Grids; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced legal counsel to serve as Head of Legal for the UK and Ireland. The role involves providing legal advice across various business units, managing disputes, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a strong background in law, particularly in construction and engineering projects. This home-based position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Inclusive Work Environment

Career Growth

Supportive Team

Work-Life Balance

Competitive Benefits

Qualifications

• 7+ years in major construction/engineering projects.
• Experience in handling complex international corporate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on contracts and tenders.
• Negotiate contract terms and manage disputes.
• Develop and supervise the UK and Ireland legal team.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Business-minded

Solution-oriented

Education

University Law Degree (Master of Law)

Job description

Hitachi Energy is looking for a experienced legal counsel to work as Head of Legal for the United Kingdom and Ireland and strengthen Hitachi Energy’s global legal team by providing legal advice to all business units in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

You will bring your legal know-how to diverse tasks, and ensure all contractual activities are executed in accordance with the relevant regulations and instructions as well as local statutory provisions. Reporting to Head of Legal for Europe, the successful candidate will implement global strategy and advise local management and business units on a wide range of legal and integrity issues.

This role is home-based in the United Kingdom, though you will be expected to attend the Birmingham office and other offices regularly, in accordance with business requirements. This role may also require some domestic and overseas travelling occasionally.

How you’ll make an impact:

Provide expert legal advice over a broad range of issues affecting different business units, especially for contracts and tenders. In addition, legal advice to projects under execution within the business units. Proactively develop effective legal strategies, mitigation actions and practical solutions in support of business activities.

Negotiate acceptable contract terms with customers, liaising with all internal stakeholders in the process, including risk review processes.

Promote dispute avoidance and manage disputes and litigations with all internal and external stakeholders.

Actively participate in, and contribute to, the discussions of the board of directors of the UK and Irish legal entities and other senior management teams, and provide legal counsel to the boards and senior management teams in all matters.

Undertake the role and duties of company secretary of the UK and Irish legal entities.

Develop, mentor and supervise the UK and Ireland legal team, consisting of eight team members.

Ensure excellent corporate governance and management of the operational company at country level.

Support strong implementation of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and assist with investigation and resolution of integrity-related issues.

Act as a local contact point for data privacy matters in close co-operation with the global Privacy Team.

Design and deliver training on contractual and legal aspects.

Be an active member of the global Legal and Integrity community and support the global team when needed.

Live Hitachi Energy's core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your Background:

University Law Degree (Master of Law) current practicing certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Proven experience in leading legal professionals at all levels.

7 + years in proven experience relating to major construction/ engineering projects and track record of handling complex international corporate and commercial transactions as well as claims and litigations.

Experience in FIDIC, NEC4 and Orgalim general terms and conditions is a benefit.

Committed, business-minded and solution-oriented.

Interpersonal skills including team spirit as well as the ability to influence people at all levels.

What We Offer:

Inclusive Work Environment: We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Career Growth: Enjoy excellent career opportunities in a global company that supports your professional development.

Supportive Team: Be part of a team with inspiring colleagues who collaborate and support each other.

Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements.

Competitive Benefits: Receive a competitive salary and pension plan.

More about us

Bring your very own sense of pride and purpose as you help us drive forward the Fourth Industrial Revolution – creating a sustainable future for our planet, and your career. Join Hitachi and harness the power of our diverse global network, as you collaborate with and learn from our world-class teams.

Hitachi Energy complementary strengths, we plan to form a new and stronger global leader in the power sector. Hitachi Energy will have more than 230 years of combined heritage and experience. Join us on this exciting journey.

Talent Partner , Dianne Cooper - [e-mail] will answer your questions on the position.
Would you like to help us develop the technology of tomorrow? Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay – apply today!

Location Remote - England, United Kingdom;
Remote - Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Job type Full time

Experience Management

Job function Legal, Compliance & Audit

Contract Regular

Publication date 2025-05-12

Reference number R0091988

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future.

We employ around 45,000 people in 90 countries who each day work with purpose and use their different backgrounds to challenge the status quo. We welcome you to apply today and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation.