Legal Counsel - Planning specialist

Affinity Water; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management company in the UK seeks a Legal Counsel, Planning specialist to play a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects. You will provide legal advice on planning law and commercial aspects, working closely with various teams. This position offers flexible working options, a competitive salary of approximately £75,000, and generous leave policies.

Benefits

Flexible working / Hybrid options

Company annual bonus scheme

Annual leave starting at 26 days

Generous pension scheme

Family benefits including enhanced leave

Access to Wellbeing Centre

Qualifications

• 5 years PQE with expertise in planning law.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister.
• Experience advising on commercial and construction law contracts.
• Strong legal analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive with a drive to achieve outcomes.
• Experience in water, utilities, infrastructure, or construction sectors.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the SRO team, providing advice on planning law.
• Advise throughout RAPID and DCO processes, managing relationships with external solicitors.
• Provide guidance on commercial aspects, including collaboration agreements.

Job description

Affinity Water has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel, Planning specialist.

You will work at the heart of major infrastructure projects, such as The Grand Union Canal (GUC), which is scheduled for completion in 2032.

The Planning Lawyer will play a pivotal role, including:

• Collaborating closely with the SRO team daily, providing advice on all planning law aspects to support the delivery of the GUC and other projects;
• Advising throughout the RAPID and DCO processes, managing relationships with external solicitors;
• Providing guidance on commercial aspects of SROs, including collaboration agreements, bulk supply agreements, and procurement and construction contracts.

Experience required:

• 5 years PQE with expertise in planning law;
• Qualified solicitor or barrister;
• Experience advising on commercial and construction law contracts;
• Strong legal analytical skills and attention to detail;
• Proactive with a drive to achieve outcomes;
• Experience in water, utilities, infrastructure, or construction sectors.

What We Offer:

• Salary approximately £75,000 per annum, based on experience (pro-rata for part-time);
• Full-time or part-time roles, with a minimum of 3 days per week;
• Flexible working / Hybrid options;
• Company annual bonus scheme;
• Annual leave starting at 26 days, increasing with service, plus the option to purchase additional days;
• A ‘Celebration Day’ for personal or religious occasions;
• Generous 'double match pension scheme' (company contributions capped at 12%);
• Family benefits including enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental leave, fertility support, and paid carers' leave;
• Policies supporting menopause and reasonable adjustments;
• Access to Wellbeing Centre for health support;
• Discounts at retail outlets and on insurance through Tap4Perks;
• Disability confident employer.

About us:

Affinity Water is the UK's largest water-only supplier, serving 3.85 million customers in Southeast England.

Our mission is to innovate in water management, connect with communities, and protect the environment. Internally and externally, you will collaborate with legal experts, water sector specialists, and business stakeholders at all levels.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.