Senior Project Legal Counsel

Bouygues Construction; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Ipswich is seeking a Senior Project Legal Counsel to provide legal advisory for major infrastructure projects. The role requires expertise in UK construction law and a minimum of 8 years' PQE. Responsibilities include drafting contracts, ensuring compliance, and managing disputes. This position offers a hybrid work model and an opportunity to contribute to significant energy projects in the UK.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' PQE in construction and major projects.
• Experience on high-value energy/infrastructure projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting and reviewing contracts.
• Advise project teams on legal issues and risks.
• Oversee documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Expertise in U.K. construction law

Strong negotiation and contract management skills

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Proficient in risk management

Clear communication skills

Commercial awareness

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent)

Tools

MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point

Job description

Job Description

Senior Project Legal Counsel

Job Location City: Ipswich

Country/Region: United Kingdom

Contract Type: Permanent Contract

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Remote/Onsite: Hybrid

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel

Requisition ID: 2047

Information at a Glance

Specialized in civil engineering and engineering structures, Bouygues Travaux Publics is one of the world leaders in the fields of land use planning and sustainable infrastructure construction. Bouygues Travaux Publics is committed to diversity and is open to all talents.

As the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), we are searching for an accomplished construction solicitor to play a pivotal role in one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes: Sizewell C. This is your opportunity to become part of a team shaping the future of clean energy, with a new 3.2-gigawatt power station delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity to 6 million homes for generations to come.

With substantial experience in construction and major projects, you'll join an enterprise that unites the expertise of Sizewell C and three global industry leaders - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke - all working together to deliver world-class results.

In this senior advisory role, you'll have real impact across every stage of our ambitious project:

Principal Accountabilities, Activities and Decisions

Contractual Advisory & Compliance

• Assist with drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, consultant appointments and NDAs in line with project requirements and goals.
• Work closely with members of the Procurement and Commercial teams to put in place required contracts and subcontracts within required project timescales and to help achieve project goals.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, industry regulations, and project-specific requirements.
• Advise project teams on legal issues, potential risks, and mitigations.
• Assist in developing the CWA's suite of contracts (to be based on NEC contracts) to be used when procuring works/service from the supply chain.
• Helping to create processes, policies and documentation to help embed key contractual requirements into the day-to-day operations of the Civil Works Alliance.

Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

• Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Internally manage disputes, claims, and litigation that may arise during the project. Liaison with external counsel as appropriate.
• Serve as a point of contact for dispute resolution processes, collaborating with external counsel as necessary.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., Finance, Procurement, Commercial) to ensure legal alignment with business objectives.
• Work with external stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and government agencies, to manage contractual relationships effectively.

Documentation & Record Management

• Oversee the preparation, documentation, and storage of all legal agreements and correspondences.
• Maintain accurate records to ensure easy retrieval for audits, dispute resolution, and compliance checks.

Regulatory Monitoring & Policy Development

• Monitor U.K. construction and contract law developments and ensure project compliance.
• Help to develop and implement internal policies and guidelines to enhance legal compliance and risk management practices.

Training & Guidance

• Provide training and resources to project teams on contractual rights, obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a legal point of reference, offering guidance to ensure team alignment with contractual terms and legal standards.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise in U.K. construction law, including knowledge of industry-standard contracts (in particular NEC3 and NEC4 contracts).
• Knowledge of contracts used in offshore projects (e.g. marine installation) desired, but not essential.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in risk management.
• Ability to work independently and handle complex legal matters effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Accurate in contract drafting and reviewing to ensure compliance and protect the organization's interests.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication to explain complex legal issues to non-legal team members and stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align legal advice with the Civil Works Alliance's long-term objectives.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Able to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving project demands and challenges.
• Team player and relationship manager across multiple stakeholders with a strong work ethic
• Commercial awareness
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to operate in a range of environments
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
• MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point to a high standard

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with 8+ years' PQE in construction and major projects, gained either in-house or at a leading private practice (ideally with secondment experience).
• Experience of working on high-value energy/infrastructure projects desired, but not essential.

If you'd like to contribute directly to a landmark project at the heart of the UK's energy transition - ensuring legal integrity, excellence and compliance every step of the way, please apply now. We are committed to building a diverse and high-performing team, drawing on talent from every background to deliver for the future.