Managing Counsel, Power T&D

About the role

We're looking for an experienced and commercially focused legal leader to join Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution business. As Managing Counsel, you'll be the trusted legal adviser to senior business leaders, supporting some of the UK’s most significant energy infrastructure projects, from transmission and distribution networks to renewables, nuclear and major power system upgrades.

This is a strategic role where you'll help shape business decisions, enable sustainable growth and provide pragmatic legal solutions across complex bids, projects and commercial arrangements.

The role is UK flexible, with regular travel to Power sites.

What you'll be doing

• Lead legal support across major bids, projects and business operations.
• Partner with senior leaders as the principal legal adviser to the Power T&D business.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex construction, energy and joint venture agreements.
• Provide commercially focused advice on legal, regulatory and compliance risks.
• Lead the management of disputes, adjudications, litigation and investigations.
• Oversee relationships with external legal advisers and manage legal spend effectively.
• Review and advise on bonds, guarantees and warranties.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovation, technology and AI-enabled solutions.
• Develop and mentor legal team members, fostering a high-performing culture.
• Support Balfour Beatty's ethics, compliance and Zero Harm agenda.

Who we're looking for

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in construction, infrastructure or energy.
• Strong track record advising on high-value, complex projects and contracts.
• Experience with NEC, JCT, EPC and bespoke contract arrangements.
• Knowledge of power, renewables, nuclear or major infrastructure projects.
• Commercially astute with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Skilled negotiator with strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Confident operating at senior leadership and executive level.
• Experience managing disputes and complex legal matters.
• Passion for mentoring and developing others.
• Forward-thinking approach with an interest in innovation and technology.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

Balfour Beatty Group Enabling Functions are Legal, Finance, IT and Procurement, Communications, Health Safety and Environment, HR and Sustainability. Together, they support delivery of our Build to Last strategy whilst improving efficiencies and standardising our approach, systems and processes.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at

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