Commercial Solicitor - In-House - Energy Sector

Commercial Solicitor - In-House - Energy Sector - Belfast (Hybrid)

MCS Group is delighted to be representing SONI, who are current recruiting for a Commercial Solicitor to join its growing in-house legal team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at Castlereagh House, Belfast, with hybrid working available.

SONI manages and develops Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system and plays a central role in delivering a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy future. With significant investment planned across the electricity network, this is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to join a mission-driven organisation at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Legal, the successful Commercial Solicitor will provide legal support across a broad range of commercial, corporate, procurement and regulatory matters, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation.

You will be part of a collaborative and supportive in-house legal team, contributing to SONI's strategic objectives by delivering clear, practical and solutions-focused legal advice. The role offers exposure to high-profile infrastructure and energy projects and the opportunity to develop sector-specific expertise within a regulated environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to SONI as Transmission System Operator and Market Operator for Northern Ireland, including planning, environmental law, procurement, competition law, licensing and connection agreements.
• Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and supporting the organisation in understanding impacts and required actions.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, including supply contracts, service level agreements, frameworks, procurement documentation, IT licences and consultancy agreements.
• Working closely with regulatory, operational, engineering and commercial teams to support strategic projects, including infrastructure upgrades, network investment and capital projects.
• Communicating legal issues clearly and constructively to colleagues who are not legal specialists.
• Assisting with dispute management, including litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
• Supporting corporate governance activities, including Board support, drafting Board papers and maintaining statutory registers.
• Managing relationships with external legal advisers to ensure best value for the organisation.
• Contributing to legal team initiatives, knowledge sharing and continuous organisational learning.

The Person

The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer who enjoys working across a varied workload and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience.
• Ability to advise across a range of legal areas including commercial contracts, procurement, regulation, planning and environmental law, infrastructure projects and data protection.
• Strong legal and commercial judgement with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• High attention to detail and a collaborative approach to working.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn new legal areas and develop sector-specific knowledge.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in the energy sector or another regulated industry.
• Experience working within a large or complex organisation.
• Interest in climate change action and the energy transition.

Package

SONI offers a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover and pension matching, alongside excellent benefits including hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home), flexible start and finish times, enhanced holidays, wellbeing days and family-friendly policies.

Additional benefits include salary sacrifice schemes (cycle to work and EV), free car parking, onsite EV charging, complimentary lunch and access to professional development with clear career progression pathways.

SONI is proud to offer an inclusive and flexible working culture and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful in-house legal role within the energy sector, we would love to hear from you.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Ryan Calvert, Divisional Head of Recruitment at MCS Group 028 9023 5456

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs

MCS Group - Proud Headline Sponsors of CIPD NI HR Awards 2025