In House Legal Counsel - Hybrid

Department: Legal

Reports to: Head of Legal

Salary: £72,000 to £80,000 dependent on experience (PQE)

Location: Salford - Hybrid

The Opportunity
At Leep Utilities, we're powering places where people live, work and grow.
As a leading last-mile multi-utility provider, we work with developers, landowners and delivery partners to support residential, commercial, data centre and mixed-use developments across the UK. We own and operate regulated utility networks across electricity, water, wastewater and heat, helping to deliver critical infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
Backed by significant infrastructure investment and driven by innovation, transparency and customer focus, we're continuing to grow and are looking for an experienced In-House Legal Counsel to join our team.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing infrastructure business where legal is viewed as a valued commercial partner.
Reporting to the Head of Legal, you'll provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice across a wide range of infrastructure, commercial and regulatory matters. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you'll help shape key decisions, manage risk and support the successful delivery of strategic projects.
You'll enjoy a broad remit, significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a visible impact across a growing organisation.
We welcome applications from lawyers with experience gained in utilities, infrastructure, energy, construction, telecoms, property or other regulated commercial environments.

What You’ll Be Doing

· Deliver legal services across the Leep Utilities Group, ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal best practice.

· Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and framework contracts.

· Lead and support complex commercial contract negotiations, including: Multi-utility framework agreements. Asset adoption agreements across electricity, water, wastewater and heat networks. Supplier and services agreements.

· Review and advise on master planning utility tenders from pre-tender stage through to contract award and delivery.

· Advise on contractual issues, contract interpretation, disputes and risk mitigation throughout the contract lifecycle.

· Develop and maintain precedent documents, legal guidance and training materials to support colleagues across the business. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise on potential business impacts. Manage relationships with external legal advisers to ensure high-quality advice and value for money. Support the continued development of legal processes and best practice across the organisation. Role model Leep's values and contribute to a collaborative, solutions-focused culture.

About You

You'll be a commercially minded solicitor who enjoys working closely with stakeholders and finding practical solutions to complex issues.

You'll bring:

· Qualified Solicitor with typically 5+ years' PQE.

· Strong commercial contracts experience gained in-house or in private practice.

· Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.

· Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

· Experience advising senior leaders and navigating complex commercial issues.

· The ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively to non-legal audiences.

· A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.

· Experience supporting large-scale commercial or strategic projects.

Desirable:

•Experience with utilities (NAV/IDNO), infrastructure or property-backed projects

•Exposure to M&A or structured commercial transactions

Ideally you will have:

· Experience working within utilities, infrastructure, construction, energy, telecoms, property or another regulated sector.

· Familiarity with utility, infrastructure or asset-backed projects.

· Experience mentoring or supporting junior legal colleagues.

Why Join Us?

At Leep, you'll be part of a growing and ambitious organisation with a long-term vision for growth.

This role offers the opportunity to:

Work directly with senior leaders across the business.
Influence strategic and commercial decision-making.
Gain exposure to a broad range of legal, regulatory and commercial matters.
Join a collaborative and supportive culture.
Develop your career within a growing infrastructure business.

Our benefits include:

•£72,000 - £80,000 (salary dependent on experience).

•Annual discretionary bonus

•25 days paid holiday + bank holidays

•An additional day off for your birthday

•Company pension plan

•Health Cash plan through Westfield Health

•Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme

•Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials

•Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do:

Safety, Customer Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility

Equal Opportunities
Leep Utilities are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants. We’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive and make the most of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and, if you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, we’ll be happy to support you.