Believ: ABOUT US
At Believ, formerly known as Liberty Charge, we’re committed to sustainable transport being accessible to everyone. We’re a Charge Point Operator (CPO) on a mission to create the UK’s most reliable electric vehicle charging network that doesn’t cost the earth and leaves no one behind. Providing equitable access to electric vehicle charging, and achieving cleaner air for all, is at the heart of the Believ mission. We work closely with local authorities and businesses to deliver reliable, high quality charging networks at pace, at scale and at zero cost.
Believ: ABOUT US
At Believ, formerly known as Liberty Charge, we’re committed to sustainable transport being accessible to everyone. We’re a Charge Point Operator (CPO) on a mission to create the UK’s most reliable electric vehicle charging network that doesn’t cost the earth and leaves no one behind. Providing equitable access to electric vehicle charging, and achieving cleaner air for all, is at the heart of the Believ mission. We work closely with local authorities and businesses to deliver reliable, high quality charging networks at pace, at scale and at zero cost. We offer all the advantages of being a scale‑up business, but with the added security and long‑term backing from well‑known parents – Liberty Global (who also own our delivery partner, Virgin Media O2) and Zouk Capital (who manage the Government’s Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund). You’ll be joining this exciting journey during our scale‑up phase and working with us to hit the ambitious targets our shareholders have set. You’ll become part of a passionate and supportive team in a fast‑paced, dynamic and result‑driven environment.
About The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded property lawyer with at least 2+ years' post‑qualification experience to join Believ's growing Legal Team and play a key role in the acquisition, development and operation of EV charging infrastructure across the UK. Reporting to the Head of Legal Operations, you will work closely with colleagues across our property, sales, delivery and tender functions, advising on a wide range of commercial property, projects and construction matters and supporting strategically important infrastructure projects. You will manage transactions from initial site assessment and heads of terms through to completion and ongoing asset management. The role offers significant exposure to local authority projects, institutional landlords, utilities providers and large‑scale infrastructure deployment. As part of a small and collaborative legal team, you will have the opportunity to broaden your experience beyond traditional property law and gain valuable exposure to the wider commercial, regulatory and operational aspects of a fast‑growing infrastructure business. Candidates will ideally have worked in‑house or in private practice for at least 2 years. While this role is targeted at lawyers earlier in their careers, we would be pleased to consider candidates with more extensive experience where there is a strong fit for the position. This position is ideally based in London, however, applicants who are able to attend our Cardiff or Edinburgh offices will also be considered.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Property – Public Sector
- In your first year (this may be extended), your primary focus will be leading the negotiation and closure of complex contracts with UK Public Authorities for EV charging infrastructure deployments.
- This is a hands‑on role that goes beyond traditional legal responsibilities, requiring close collaboration with various Business areas, in particular, Sales and Finance.
Responsibilities Include
- Lead contract negotiations post‑award with UK Local Authorities and similar Public Sector organisations, ensuring agreements align with commercial, regulatory, and strategic business objectives including property interest agreements (leases/licenses).
- Develop and execute negotiation strategies that maximise commercial value while meeting public sector procurement and funding requirements.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with sales, legal, finance, operations, and technical teams to structure contracts that mitigate risks and ensure project feasibility.
- Drive the end‑to‑end contracting process, from initial discussions through to contract execution, ensuring timely closure of deals.
- Ensure compliance with UK public sector procurement regulations, contract law, Local Authority procurement frameworks, funding models and industry best practices.
- Identify and manage risks related to contractual obligations, Key Performance Indicators, Service Level Agreements, and financial commitments.
- Maintain comprehensive records of all contract negotiations to ensure transparency and accuracy including approval chains.
- Develop and maintain a standardised framework for identifying, assessing, and managing contract‑related risks, including contributing to the bid library.
- Ensure any modifications to contracts due to disputes are properly documented and aligned with business objectives.
- Provide guidance and support in the negotiation of contract renewals in collaboration with Account Managers.
Commercial Property & Land Acquisition
- Manage and support the acquisition of rights required for EV charging infrastructure, including freehold acquisitions, leases, licences, easements, wayleaves, options and other land agreements.
- Manage transactions from heads of terms through to exchange, completion and post‑completion requirements.
- Conduct title due diligence and prepare clear, commercially focused reports identifying legal risks and recommended mitigations.
- Support the business in determining appropriate legal structures for site acquisition, development, operation and ongoing asset management.
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of property documents, including:
- Leases and agreements for lease;
- Licences;
- Easements and wayleaves;
- Deeds of variation;
- Land purchase agreements;
- Option agreements; and
- Related property documentation.
- Support the resolution of title issues and other property‑related risks affecting project delivery.
- Manage post‑completion requirements and coordinate Land Registry applications where appropriate.
- Support portfolio transactions involving multiple sites and strategic delivery partners.
- Advise on the ongoing management, renewal, variation and termination of existing property interests.
- Leading on the drafting, negotiation and completion of the Leases for our office premises.
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Advise on and document land rights required for DNO and IDNO connections.
- Support the negotiation of easements, wayleaves, substation leases and other utility infrastructure agreements.
- Support the negotiation of NEC4 construction contracts.
- Work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to support project delivery.
Commercial Contracts & Project Support
- Draft and negotiate commercial agreements supporting property transactions, including concession agreements and related project documentation.
- Support contracts relating to site acquisition, design, construction, installation and professional services.
- Work closely with stakeholders to identify legal risks, develop pragmatic solutions and facilitate delivery against project timelines.
- Support the Tenders Team in relation to RFIs, ITTs and contractual discussions arising from public and private sector procurement processes.
Legal Operations & Wider Team Support
- Assist in developing and maintaining legal templates, playbooks and contracting processes.
- Maintain awareness of legal and regulatory developments relevant to the business.
- Work with and coordinate external legal advisers where appropriate.
- Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to stakeholders across the business.
- Contribute to wider legal, compliance and governance initiatives as required.
As part of a small and collaborative legal team, you may occasionally support matters outside your core property specialism. Appropriate training and support will be provided where required.
About You
At Believ, we are building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent. We are a dedicated, supportive and high‑performing team, accustomed to working at pace in an ever‑evolving industry, and we are looking for people who are as passionate as us about cutting carbon emissions and providing cleaner air for all. The successful Candidate will be a qualified solicitor (SRA) in England & Wales with the following attributes and skills:
- Ability to take on all aspects of a freehold and leasehold acquisition. Whilst we are refining our model and offering, it is expected that you will be able to fully support the Business on all Legal aspects, but initially, the role’s main focus is expected to be public and private sector projects.
- undefined
- Thrives in a high‑energy, fast‑paced environment where goal posts are constantly moving and new solutions / business models / processes are being developed and trialled.
- undefined
- Enjoys working closely and collaboratively with the business to ensure key contractual deliverables and milestones are tracked and met.
- undefined
- Attention to detail, and excellent oral and communication skills, ability to convey legal points effectively and succinctly to business functions.
- Above all, you will be up for the challenge and have a willingness to really embed yourself in the Business by rolling you sleeves up and diving in!
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus the usual 8 UK Bank Holidays and the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year*
- Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical insurance, critical illness cover, dental, optical & travel insurance, income protection and life assurance
- Pension contribution matched up to 10%
- Access to our car benefit scheme and cycle to work scheme
- Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.
- 16 hours a year Volunteer Time Off to support causes that are important to you
- Virgin Media / O2 discounts and offers
- Access to VIP Arena Suites at the O2 Arena (London) and First Direct Arena (Leeds)
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Our core office hours are 10am - 4pm, Mon‑Fri (so early birds/night owls can find a pattern that suits them, as long as it also works for their team)
- This perk can only be availed for the following calendar year by employees who started before 1st December
Location
The business is currently based in our office in Southwark. The position is full time, hybrid with 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) based in the office. Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. #Believ
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