In House Legal Counsel - Hybrid

In House Legal Counsel Join Leep Utilities as In-House Legal Counsel: shape complex multi-utility contracts, influence senior stakeholders, and grow with a fast-paced, values-led team. Department: Legal Reports to: Head of Legal Salary: Salary based on experience (PQE) Location: Manchester / hybrid The Opportunity At Leep Utilities, we’re powering places where people live, work and grow. As a leading last-mile multi-utility provider, we work with developers, landowners and delivery partners to support residential, commercial, data centre and mixed-use developments across the UK. Backed by strong investment and driven by innovation, transparency and customer focus, we’re growing fast and building our asset utilities portfolio that makes a lasting difference. The Role We’re looking for a dynamic, commercially driven In-House Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you’ll support complex infrastructure, commercial and regulatory workstreams, while supporting senior stakeholders across the business. This is a high-impact role in a fast-paced infrastructure business, ideal for a legal professional who enjoys variety, influence and the opportunity to shape outcomes. Utilities and/or estates experience is essential, and you’ll bring the commercial judgement to balance legal risk with business opportunity. What You’ll Be Doing •Deliver legal services across the Leep Utilities Group, ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal best practice. Lead and support complex commercial contract drafting and negotiation, including: -multi-utility framework agreements -asset adoption agreements (electricity, water, waste, gas, heat networks) -supplier and services agreements •Review, negotiate and advise on a wide range of master planning utility tenders, from pre-tender through to contract negotiation, delivery and ongoing operations. •Advise on contractual issues, contract interpretation, disputes and risk mitigation across the contract lifecycle. •Develop and maintain precedent documents, guidance materials and training resources to build legal awareness and capability across the business. •Monitor changes in legislation and regulation, advising the business on implications and recommended actions. •Manage and oversee external legal advisers where required, ensuring high-quality support, value for money and effective outcomes. •Role model Leep’s values and leadership behaviours, contributing to a positive and collaborative culture. About You •Qualified solicitor with 5+ PQE •Strong commercial contracts experience, ideally in infrastructure, utilities, construction or energy •Experience working on complex, multi-party projects or frameworks •Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment •Able to translate legal risk into clear commercial recommendations •Confident working directly with senior stakeholders and influencing outcomes Desirable: •Experience with utilities (NAV/IDNO), infrastructure or property-backed projects •Exposure to M&A or structured commercial transactions Why Join Us? This is a great opportunity to join a growing, ambitious business where legal is a valued commercial partner. You’ll work on meaningful projects, influence decision-making and be part of a collaborative culture that supports development and progression. Our benefits include: •Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset •25 days paid holiday + bank holidays •An additional day off to celebrate your birthday •Annual discretionary bonus •Company pension plan •Health Cash plan through Westfield Health •Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme •Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials •Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities Our Values At the forefront of everything we do: Safety, Customer Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility Equal Opportunities Leep Utilities are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants. We’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive and make the most of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and, if you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, we’ll be happy to support you. Team Legal Locations Salford Remote status Hybrid About Leep Utilities At Leep Utilities, we're not just providing essential services like water, electricity and heat. We’re shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure across the UK. We work with leading developers to provide sustainable and quality utility services to our partnered communities, playing a key role in innovative projects that are transforming the way people live and work. Leep is the result of a joint venture between the independent mid-market infrastructure investment manager, Ancala Partners LLP and one of the UK’s leading private real estate investment and infrastructure companies, The Peel Group . Leep Utilities – Network adoptions done right Founded in 2017