Legal Counsel, Construction, UK and Ireland

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Birmingham; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their dynamic team in Birmingham. This role involves providing legal guidance on major construction and engineering projects, particularly in the energy sector. You will draft and negotiate complex contracts, ensuring compliance with legal standards while supporting project teams throughout various phases. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of energy. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will drive significant change and growth.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Bonus scheme

Company car allowance

Flexible working time

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Private medical care

Annual salary review

Career possibilities within Hitachi Energy

Qualifications

• 4-5 years PQE with a focus on construction and engineering projects.
• Strong background in drafting and negotiating complex contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on high-value complex tenders and projects.
• Draft and negotiate EPC agreements ensuring compliance with directives.

Skills

Construction Law

Negotiation Skills

Contract Drafting

Legal Strategy Development

Risk Management

Education

Law Degree

Tools

NEC Contracts

FIDIC Contracts

Job description

Legal Counsel, Construction, UK and Ireland page is loaded

Legal Counsel, Construction, UK and Ireland

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Job ID: R0078585

Date Posted: 2025-03-17

Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY UK LIMITED

Profession (Job Category): Legal, Compliance & Audit

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: Yes

The opportunity

By 2050, the energy need will have increased by 50% compared to today, and HVDC is a prerequisite to meet this demand in a greener, smarter, and more sustainable way. Both the HVDC market and the target for our new HVDC quality solutions and products are growing.

To be able to perform all the upcoming and challenging projects we have in front of us, the need to strengthen our team with additional opening for an experienced and high-calibre transactional Legal Counsel (4/5 years + PQE) with a proven track record in major construction and engineering projects, to play an active part in the energy transition and contribute to advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

The successful candidate will be based in Birmingham, United Kingdom (mainly working remotely) and be part of the growing team supporting the Grid Integration business unit for UK & Ireland.

You will provide advice and be part of the project teams on legal and integrity matters particularly in relation to high value complex tenders and projects, including High Voltage Direct Current Interconnectors, offshore projects, onshore substations and grid and power quality solutions. You will draft and negotiate EPC agreements to ensure full compliance with Hitachi Group directives and apply your legal experience to represent our interests, supported by the Hitachi Group risk management governance.

As a member of the UK & European legal team, you will be integrated into the global Hitachi Energy legal counsel network and will collaborate on a case-by-case basis with international colleagues on cross-jurisdictional projects sharing experiences and knowledge.

Your background

• Your personal qualities are vital for success! You are a good team player, structured, open-minded, and communicative.
• Experience in the construction & energy projects sectors and be proficient in drafting, commenting on and negotiating tenders and contractual agreements for complex national and international projects.
• Drafting and negotiating standard forms of construction and EPC contracts, particularly NEC and with preferable experience with FIDIC, but will also be confident in navigating and managing bespoke EP agreements.
• Developed effective legal strategies, mitigation actions and practical solutions in support of business activities.
• Reviewed RFQs/ITTs from a legal perspective and input into tender preparation, risks identification, negotiation of contracts, framework agreements and consortium agreements.
• Supported project teams during sales, execution and warranty phases and contributed to early dispute avoidance and conflict management, liaised where necessary, with external law firms.
• Provided legal training and awareness, including training on contract negotiation.
• University degree in applicable area, i.e. Law degree.

Please note we are unable to provide visa support on this position.

More about us

• Competitive base salary
• Bonus scheme
• Company car allowance
• Flexible working time
• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Private medical care
• Annual salary review
• Fantastic career possibilities within Hitachi Energy both within UK and globally
• Diversified company with over 70+ nationalities

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About Us

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe.

From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference.

Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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