Senior Legal Counsel - Water Infrastructure Pro...

Affinity Water; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water supplier in the UK is seeking a highly motivated Senior Legal Counsel specializing in water infrastructure projects. You will provide critical legal support through project planning and delivery, ensuring alignment with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of PQE experience in planning and commercial law, with a solid background in infrastructure projects. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working conditions, and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Company annual bonus scheme

26 days annual leave plus additional options

Generous double-match pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience guiding project teams through complex legal frameworks.
• Ability to provide strategic, commercially minded legal advice.
• Confident in managing relationships with external solicitors.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to the SRO team on project delivery.
• Ensure alignment between planning, regulatory, and commercial considerations.
• Advise on collaboration agreements, procurement, and construction contracts.

Skills

Planning and commercial law

Major infrastructure project legal advisory

Analytical skills

Stakeholder influencing

Experience in utilities or construction sectors

Education

7-8 years PQE in Planning, Commercial and Projects

Job description

Affinity Water is searching for a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Legal Counsel to specialise on Water Infrastructure Projects to join our experienced in‑house legal team. Reporting to the Senior Regulatory Counsel, you will work closely with colleagues across the business particularly the Strategic Resource Options (SRO) team as well as external lawyers, water companies, and specialist advisors.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in delivering nationally significant water infrastructure projects that support long‑term water resilience for millions of customers.

About the Role

You will be at the heart of major infrastructure schemes from early development through to planning, consenting and construction. The first project in delivery is the Grand Union Canal (GUC) transfer scheme, designed to move treated wastewater from Severn Trent’s Minworth recycling centre in the Midlands to customers in the Southeast, areas predicted to experience a water deficit by 2032.

The GUC project is progressing through the RAPID programme, with a statutory consultation planned for early 2026 and a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to follow. You will help steer these critical stages, ensuring Affinity Water’s interests are protected and the project progresses smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day legal support to the SRO team, offering strategic, commercially minded advice across all aspects of project planning and delivery.
• Ensure alignment between planning, regulatory and commercial considerations.
• Manage relationships with external solicitors to secure timely, robust legal advice.
• Advise on commercial and contractual matters including collaboration agreements, bulk supply agreements, procurement, and construction contracts.
• Work with external specialists on the technical legal elements of the DCO and related processes.

About You

• Senior Lawyer with a minimum of 7‑8 years PQE in Planning, Commercial and Projects
• Strong experience advising on major infrastructure projects and guiding project teams through complex legal frameworks is essential.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Confident working proactively, driving solutions, and influencing stakeholders.
• Experience in the water, utilities, infrastructure, or construction sectors is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• £75,000–£95,000 (pro rata for part‑time), depending on experience
• Full‑time or part‑time option
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 office days per week in Hatfield with client meetings in London
• Company annual bonus scheme
• 26 days annual leave (increasing with service) + option to buy 5 additional days
• Additional Celebration Day for personal or cultural events
• Generous double‑match pension scheme (company contributions up to 12%)
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave)
• Up to 5 full or 10 half days paid Carers’ Leave
• Menopause and Reasonable Adjustment policies
• Wellbeing Centre support for mental and physical health
• Discounts on retail, dental and medical insurance via Tap4Perks
• Disability Confident employer, alternative application formats available on request

About Affinity Water

Affinity Water is the UK’s largest water‑only supplier, delivering high‑quality, sustainable water to 3.85 million customers across the Southeast. We are committed to transforming how water companies serve their communities, protecting the environment, and planning responsibly for the future.

We actively celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.