Commercial Solicitor
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Role Details
Role Title: Commercial Solicitor
Reports to: Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Legal
Location: Castlereagh House, Belfast (Hybrid)
About Us
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) manages and develops Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system. We play a leading role in powering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our workplace is collaborative, supportive and mission driven. We value diverse perspectives, continuous learning and a culture where everyone can thrive. If you're passionate about contributing to a greener future and want to grow your career in a supportive professional environment, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a legal professional who enjoys working on varied and meaningful work across commercial, corporate, procurement and regulatory matters. You will join a growing inhouse legal team where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional development are core values. You will contribute to SONI's strategic objectives by providing accessible, solution focused legal advice and working closely with colleagues across the business.
You Will Be Responsible For
- Provide legal advice on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to SONI as the Transmission System Operator and Market Operator for Northern Ireland (e.g. planning, environmental law, connection agreements, procurement, competition law and licensing requirements).
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and support the organisation in understanding impacts and required actions.
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements including supply contracts, service level agreements, framework contracts, procurement documentation, IT licences and consultancy agreements.
- Collaborate with regulatory, operational, engineering and commercial teams to support strategic projects (e.g. infrastructure upgrades, network investment, regulatory submissions and capital projects).
- Communicate legal issues clearly and constructively to colleagues who are not legal specialists.
- Assist with managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and other resolution processes.
- Support corporate governance activities including Board support, drafting Board papers, and maintaining statutory registers.
- Build strong partnerships with internal teams, regulators, external advisers, and industry partners.
- Manage relationships with external legals advisors and ensure best value for the organisation.
- Contribute to legal team initiatives, knowledge sharing and organisational learning.
- Undertake additional tasks as reasonably required.
About You
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you feel you have relevant skills.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years' post qualification experience (experience in energy, regulatory or infrastructure sectors is welcome but not essential).
- Ability to manage a varied workload and navigate a range of legal matters across areas such as procurement, commercial contracts, regulation, planning and environment, infrastructure projects and data protection.
- Strong legal and commercial judgement, and able to deliver clear and practical advice.
- Attention to detail and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to shared goals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn new legal areas and develop sector-specific technical understanding.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in the energy sector, or another regulated industry.
- Experience of working in a large or complex organisation with multidisciplinary teams.
- Interest in climate change action and energy transition.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home) and flexible start/finish times.
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you'd like to talk about how this role could work for you.
Application Deadline
Closing date for applications is 9 January 2026 . Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
Equal Opportunity Statement
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation. We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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