Legal Counsel NEW

Job description

Hitachi Energy has an exciting opening for an experienced and high-caliber transactional Legal Counsel (minimum 5 years + PQE) with a proven track record in major construction and engineering projects, to play an active part in the energy transition and contribute to advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

The successful candidate will be based in Birmingham, United Kingdom (working remotely) and be part of the growing team supporting the Grid Integration business unit for the UK & Ireland.

You will provide advice and be part of the project teams on legal and integrity matters, particularly in relation to high-value complex tenders and projects, including High Voltage Direct Current Interconnectors, offshore projects, onshore substations, and grid and power quality solutions. You will draft and negotiate EPC agreements to ensure full compliance with Hitachi Group directives and apply your legal experience to represent our interests, supported by the Hitachi Group risk management governance.

As a member of the UK & European legal team, you will be integrated into the global Hitachi Energy legal counsel network and will collaborate on a case-by-case basis with international colleagues on cross-jurisdictional projects, sharing experiences and knowledge.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Excellent transactional experience in the construction & energy projects sectors, and proficient in drafting, commenting on, and negotiating tenders and contractual agreements for complex national and international projects in the energy sector.
• Adept at drafting and negotiating standard forms of construction and EPC contracts, particularly NEC, and with preferable experience with FIDIC, but will also be confident in navigating and managing bespoke EP agreements.
• Identify legal issues of concern and proactively develop effective legal strategies, mitigation actions, and practical solutions in support of business activities;
• Contribute to the review of RFQs/ITTs from a legal perspective and input into tender preparation, risks identification, negotiation of contracts, framework agreements, and consortium agreements, all in coordination with key internal stakeholders;
• Provide legal support to project teams during sales, execution, and warranty phases and contribute to early dispute avoidance and conflict management, liaising where necessary, with external law firms;
• Contribute to the development of Group directives/instructions based on local legislation, and assist with the implementation of legal and integrity directives/instructions;
• Manage and liaise with external service providers, including external legal counsel where necessary or relevant;
• Provide legal training and awareness, including training on contract negotiation and integrity matters, and be able to work remotely and independently to achieve key tender and project deadlines.

Background:

• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent jurisdiction) with a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Proven experience in construction law, including both contentious and non-contentious matters.
• Strong knowledge of standard form construction contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC, FIDIC).
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction and engineering contracts, including subcontracts, consultancy agreements, and collateral warranties.
• Ability to provide strategic legal advice to internal stakeholders, including project managers, procurement teams, and senior leadership.
• Experience managing or supporting construction disputes, including adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.