Head of Legal

SSE Thermal is on a mission to deliver the flexible energy needed today while powering the transition to net zero. Our 600+ employees play a crucial role in keeping the light on across the UK and Ireland and we’re rising to the low-carbon challenge with our teams at the cutting-edge of vital technologies. We’re developing ground-breaking carbon capture and storage projects and progressing plans for what could be the world’s first hydrogen-fired power station, as well as a major hydrogen storage facility and exploring other exciting options as we decarbonise. We’ve already achieved a lot - but we’re just getting started. As part of SSE, which is investing £24bn this decade, we’re at the forefront of the energy transition - so come join us as we continue to grow and power change.

To find out more, read this blog from Catherine Raw, our Managing Director, on our critical role in delivering net zero

Our in-house SSE Legal function operates across the SSE Group to ensure business actions and behaviours are aligned to business priorities, are legally sound, and reinforce a culture of integrity, quality, responsibility and ethical behaviour. We identify and rationalise legal risk, providing advice on both regulatory and statutory obligations, all whilst helping the business to achieve their strategic goals.

**About the Role**

**Base Location**: Flexible, however our preference is that you will be based in one of our key UK or Ireland sites, which include:

- Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen, Reading and Dublin.

**Salary**: £72,500 - £108,700 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

**Working Pattern**: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

Reporting to the Director of Legal, Thermal & EPMI, you'll partner our Thermal business in the UK and Ireland with respect to Commercial and Construction matters, working collaboratively with the Thermal Executive and their senior management team. You'll be accountable for ensuring the delivery of high quality, efficient and value-adding legal services in a fast-paced, dynamic and ambitious growth environment in the UK and Ireland.

Your key responsibilities will include:

- Growing, developing and managing a multi-disciplined legal team comprising commercial and construction solicitors to deliver legal services required by the Thermal business to meet both strategic and financial objectives.
- Collectively, you'll advise the business on applicable legal and regulatory obligations, identify and rationalise legal risk and ensure legal input to the internal governance and compliance processes.
- Implementing initiatives and processes in order to set standards and reinforce a culture of integrity, quality, responsibility and ethical behaviour.
- Working collaboratively with key internal stakeholders and colleagues including Directors of and Heads of Legal, General Counsel colleagues, JV Partners and a range of internal specialist corporate functions in the delivery of your role.
- Managing external legal advisors (panel law firms and advocates) as appropriate, including appointments, management of service delivery and fees.

**What do I need?**

We are seeking a credible and experienced senior legal expert with an excellent understanding of the energy sector and the key role our in-house legal team will play in the successful delivery of our growth plans.

Additionally we are seeking:

- A qualified solicitor or barrister, likely with c7+ years PQE coupled with a solid track record of producing high quality and effective legal advice.
- Good commercial acumen, with proven ability to carry out commercial negotiations to fulfil objectives and agree high value complex deals.
- Ability to build, develop and nurture effective business partnering relationships based on trust, integrity and the delivery of a value-adding legal service, both personally and through your team.
- Strong people management skills, with experience operating within a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team.
- Highly organised, delivery-focussed, and solutions-driven with the ability to comprise and propose imaginative and appropriate solutions and implement innovative business improvements.

**What's in it for you?**

An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

**What happens now?**

Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

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