Infrastructure Solicitor (Commercial)

Southern Water; Falmer; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK seeks an experienced Infrastructure Solicitor to provide commercial legal services focusing on its water resources infrastructure programmes. This role emphasizes advising on commercial contracts and public procurement law. Ideal candidates will have at least 10 years of post-qualification experience and a strong legal background. Join a transformative organization committed to sustainability and service excellence, with the opportunity for substantive impact in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least 10 years relevant post-qualification experience.
• Expert knowledge of law and legal research techniques.
• Highly developed commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Advising on legal ramifications of commercial arrangements.
• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Providing guidance on public procurement regulations.

Skills

Contract drafting and interpretation

Public procurement law

Legal judgement

Commercial awareness

Education

Excellent degree qualification (2:1 or equivalent)

Job description

Closing Date

2026-01-30

Job Title : Infrastructure Solicitor (SRO)

Location : Falmer, East Sussex (hybrid - 2-3 days per week)

Contract Type : Permanent

Hours : 37, Monday to Friday

Salary : £competitive, dependent on experience

About the role

To provide high quality commercial legal services to the Engineering & Capital Delivery function of Southern Water - focused on Southern Water’s water resources infrastructure programme, the Water for Life Hampshire (WfLH) Programme, in particular the Thames to Southern Transfer (T2ST), and Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programmes

What you will be responsible for :

• Advising on the legal ramifications and structuring of a wide range of commercial arrangements and diverse capital / commercial projects, transactions and contracts.
• Drafting, negotiating and settling various forms of commercial contracts.
• Advising on the full regime of public procurement regulations and practical procurement issues, including acting as guardian of relevant legal policies and providing standardised procurement and commercial legal agreements.
• Advising the company on the legal ramifications and structuring of a wide range of often complex and expansive engineering and construction arrangements and diverse commercial projects, transactions and contracts (working with the Senior Commercial Solicitor).
• Focussing on the full remit of non-contentious (and some initial stages contentious) engineering and construction matters relating to infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.

What you’ll bring to the role :

• Qualified lawyer (Solicitor / Barrister / Chartered Legal Executive) ideally with at least 10 years relevant post-qualification experience.
• Expert knowledge of law and legal research techniques, contract drafting and interpretation.
• Expertise in public procurement law and practice (knowledge of new Direct Procurement for Customers regime highly desirable, but not essential).
• Has reliable legal judgement and appreciates legal risk.
• Produces sound analysis, using secure legal research.
• Highly developed commercial awareness.
• Excellent degree qualification (2 : 1 or equivalent), or satisfactory evidence of equivalent high level academic and / or professional achievement.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

"At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here : Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.