In House General Counsel

BUUK Infrastructure; Woolpit; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility partner in the UK seeks an experienced In House General Counsel to provide strategic legal leadership and support across various business units. This role involves managing contracts, regulatory compliance, and risk while leading a high-performing legal team. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications, including a law degree and experience in corporate governance. The position offers competitive benefits including hybrid working.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

Company pension contributions up to 10%

Cost of living annual pay review

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Referral payment for successful referrals

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or experienced Chartered Secretary.
• Proven track record in in-house legal roles.
• Experience managing external solicitors.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal direction aligned with business priorities.
• Lead complex commercial matters and contract negotiations.
• Advise on regulatory compliance and manage risks.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Proactive problem-solver

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Law or equivalent

Qualified solicitor (UK or common law jurisdiction)

Membership of CILEx or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office programmes

Job description

Overview

Job Location: Woolpit

Salary: Competitive

Contract type:

Posting End Date: 07/11/2025

At BUUK Infrastructure, our vision is to be the leading utility partner to accelerate the UK towards net zero for all our customers. Our group of companies has been the major drive for change and innovation over 30 years.

We provide a supportive environment that is committed to enabling our people to be the best – ensuring they feel proud to be themselves and part of BUUK Infrastructure.

We are looking for In House General Counsel who would like to help us reach our mission to “earn customer loyalty and drive business growth by providing consistently excellent service”.

Purpose of this role

• Strategic Legal Leadership: Provide legal direction at a senior level, aligning legal strategy with business priorities, and ensuring processes are clear, efficient, and effective.
• Commercial & Contractual Support: Lead on complex commercial matters, ensuring agreements are both compliant and commercially sound.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Monitor legal and regulatory developments, promoting accountability and ethical conduct.
• Dispute Resolution & Risk Management: Anticipate risks, manage disputes, and implement practical solutions that protect the organisation.
• Governance & Ethics: Uphold high standards of governance, integrity, and ethical behaviour across the region.
• Team Leadership & Development: Build and lead a high-performing legal team across multiple jurisdictions, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide general legal advice across business units, advising on electricity, gas, water, waste, fibre, and heat infrastructure agreements, regulatory compliance in conjunction with the regulatory team. Manage and provide advice regarding all group property leases.
• Lead on contract negotiations, drafting, NDAs, and dispute management.
• Support retail, sales, and commercial negotiations including insolvency and debt recovery. Support Power On construction projects, NEC/JCT contracts, novations, and landowner agreements.
• Participate in due diligence and M&A activity as required.
• Manage instructions to external solicitors and review outcomes. Review and approve external legal spend, whilst managing invoicing and budget for external counsel.
• Provide strategic guidance to ensure appropriate land rights are obtained for the groups utility infrastructure. Oversee land rights function, providing leadership support for the Land Rights Manager and team. Support efficiency projects to streamline rights instructions and approvals, collaborating with BI team on process change projects.
• Maintain company books, statutory registers, and Companies House records. Manage Diligent system and signing of legal documents, including DocuSign.
• File annual returns and statutory accounts. Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare board meeting agendas, minutes, and resolutions, manage director appointments and resignations, and oversee shareholder communications.
• Assist with the promotion and provision of Board reports on the Brookfield key compliance program including ABC, ethics, modern slavery, GDPR, insurance and whistleblowing.
• Oversee ABC, MSA, anti-facilitation, and anti-fraud compliance. Manage whistleblowing policy and processes. Conduct annual risk assessments and liaise with Brookfield risk team.
• Oversee the management and renewal of the corporate insurance portfolio. Manage insurance advisers and relationships with brokers. Liaise with Marsh claims team and Brookfield risk team in Canada and advise the Insurance Administrator on claims.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (UK or common law jurisdiction) or experienced Chartered Secretary (ICSA/CGI).
• Qualified Lawyer or company secretary
• Membership of CILEx, Chartered Governance Institute or equivalent
• Degree in Law or equivalent.

Experience / Knowledge

• Proven track record in in-house legal and/or company secretarial roles.
• Experience managing external solicitors and budgets.
• Corporate law and accounts experience and advising senior management.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.

Abilities / Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in dealing with senior stakeholders and regulators.
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proactive, motivated, and able to anticipate risks and opportunities.
• Pragmatic problem-solver with commercial awareness.
• Resilient under pressure with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Desirable

• MBA.
• Experience In Training And Developing Others.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programmes or equivalent.

What Can You Expect From Us

• Cost of living annual pay review.
• Company pension contributions up to 10% if employees contribute 5%.
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays with the ability to purchase an additional 2 weeks.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Referral payment of £1000 (net of tax) for successful referrals.
• Hybrid working for eligible roles.
• Development opportunities to reach your career aspirations.
• BUUK has an award-winning culture. We care about wellbeing and safety and are an equal opportunity employer, respecting equity, diversity and inclusion in all we do.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you meet many, but not all, of the requirements for this role, please apply. You can also ask us about flexible working options.

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