£35K/yr to £45K/yr
Mole Valley, England
Permanent, Variable

Legal Advisor

Posted by ESP Utilities Group.

ESP operates as an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) and Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) in a highly competitive sector. We own and operate over 900,000 electricity and water assets providing "last mile" connectivity to residential and commercial premises.

Our business model is to adopt networks constructed by our accredited partners and to operate and manage these networks safely and efficiently. These arrangements are subject to contractual and legal arrangements which must be robust and well managed to ensure best outcomes for ESP.

Role Purpose

This role is responsible for:

  • Liaising with and instructing external legal advisors as required in support of best outcomes for ESP.
  • Managing and negotiating land rights transactions from instruction to completion.
  • Identifying risk in relation to legal matters and developing and implementing appropriate mitigations.
  • Assisting with the resolution of complex legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

  • Negotiation of legal contracts, easements, wayleaves and land acquisition (training to be provided for land rights matters);
  • Provide advice and support to ESP colleagues relating to legal matters, as required
  • Ability to use the Land Registry online platform and have understanding of the land registry process requirements (training to be provided);
  • Liaise with external parties to quickly and efficiently identify and secure the necessary legal obligations;
  • Develop and draft bespoke contracts terms for land rights where appropriate to reflect the commercial needs of ESP (training to be provided)
  • Be involved in major and minor gas/ electricity /water schemes which are nationally significant;
  • Deal with utilities real estate transactions from instruction to completion.
  • Assess the risk of proposed amendments to ESP deeds/leases. Agree amendments/pushback/propose mitigation (training to be provided).
  • Lead and support (as required) both internal and industry projects, providing legal guidance, supporting the achievement of each project's objectives.

Person Specification

  • Experience managing and negotiating complex leasehold and freehold purchase and sales.
  • Experience dealing with easements, deeds of covenants, licences to alter.
  • Experience dealing with the legalities of large scale residential and/or commercial developments.
  • Commercial contract negotiation experience (desirable).
  • Experience within the energy and/or utility sector (desirable).
  • Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strongly analytical, with well-developed problem solving skills and proficient with MS Office.
  • A good organiser with a natural ability to plan and organise to achieve objectives and targets.

Qualifications:

  • Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (or working towards); or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or working towards), or Qualified Solicitor.

Salary

: Competitive

Hours

: 9am-5pm

Benefits

: Pension Scheme Private Medical Insurance Life Assurance 24 days annual leave Exclusive Employee Discounts Family Friendly benefits: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and paid time off when receiving fertility treatment. Volunteering day: one day a year fully paid.

Closing date 03-06-2024

REF-213 824