Classifications
Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NRS is responsible for decommissioning first generation nuclear power stations Berkeley, Bradwell, Chapelcross, Dungeness A, Hinkley Point A, Hunterston A, Oldbury, Sizewell A, Trawsfynydd and Wylfa, and research sites Harwell and Winfrith. NRS is also responsible for electricity generation at hydroelectric plant Maentwrog. As a division of NRS, NRS Dounreay is responsible for the clean-up and demolition of the former centre of fast reactor research and development.
NRS is an exciting place to be, and this role is the perfect opportunity for you to be part of our challenging mission - to safely and successfully manage the UK’s civil nuclear legacy on behalf of the nation. To deliver our commitment, we need people like you who want to perform at an industry leading standard and be part of a team that continues to develop, innovate and even exceed our greatest achievements.
At NRS, we understand, and acknowledge the value of an inclusive working environment, and celebrate the diversity this brings to our workplace. Without this approach, we wouldn’t be in the position that we are now, being able to safeguard and secure the future of our organisation.
If you’re part of the NDA Group, please refer to the Mobility Principles for guidance on how a move into NRS can be facilitated - visit What is Mobility at the NDA group?
Senior Legal Counsel - Growth & Transformation
About the role
The Senior Legal Counsel – Growth & Transformation will provide expert legal support to the AGR (advanced gas-cooled reactor sites) Programme Team, Paired Sites Managing Director, P3M (programme, portfolio and project management) and Strategy Director, Commercial Director and Transformation Director to support NRS’ growth and transformation strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal support for the delivery of the AGR and other acquisitions, to include post transition support and inputting into the commercial strategy.
- Provide legal support across a broad range of inhouse legal areas including commercial, construction, commercial litigation, employment law, policy review and EHSS&Q.
- Support the Associate General Counsel – Growth & Transformation to support the delivery of the AGR and other acquisitions and to business partner with relevant directors and functions.
- Identify and advise on legal risks within areas of responsibility and help the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel to deliver the function vision
- Build strong relationships with NRS functions and business leads to understand legal needs and priorities
- Deliver timely and pragmatic legal advice in accessible language
- Provide training on legal risk and compliance to relevant NRS functions
- Advise on the engagement of external counsel and manage their coordination
- Support the delivery of the Group Legal vision, including participation in cross-group working groups
- Demonstrate adaptability and support the Transformation legal work as needed
- Foster a collaborative, resilient, and constructive working environment within the legal team
- Work closely with legal counsel across the NDA Group, particularly the Commercial legal teams, to ensure alignment and shared goals
- Promote continuous improvement and recommend changes to enhance legal support and governance
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a minimum of 3-5 years PQE
- Strong experience of dealing with commercial contracts, projects, procurement or construction within complex environments in private practice and/or in house and/or the public sector
- Demonstrable experience as a legal business partner across multiple business areas is desirable
- Evidence of gaining experience and qualifications outside of a single subject area is desirable
- Proven ability to deliver complex legal advice in clear, business-friendly language
- Strong technical legal skills, with particular focus on commercial contracts, construction, commercial litigation and/or public procurement.
- Shows commercial acumen and pragmatic judgement
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Effective listener with the ability to engage at all levels and maintain confidentiality
- Team-oriented with the ability to work independently
- Experience managing external legal services providers and budgets
- Commitment to the values of Respect, Openness, Collaboration, Performance, and Creativity
- Adaptable, resilient, and solutions-focused approach
- Willingness to travel to nuclear sites and business meetings across the UK
- Familiarity with flexible and hybrid working practices
Benefits Package
- Salary commensurate with skills & experience.
- Car / Car Allowance.
- Flexible working – where possible.
- Equivalent of 30 days (222 hours) annual leave plus Public Holidays (59.2 hours per year) - option to buy or sell up to one week each year.
- Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees.
- Participation in performance related personal bonus scheme at a percentage of salary.
- Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App.
- Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (dependent on service).
- Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, supporting you in maintaining your personal Continuous Professional Development.
- We have various different employee networks supporting our inclusion, diversity and wellbeing mission at Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).
Please note: All successful candidates will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.
We offer flexibility on base location for multi-site roles and are happy to discuss flexible working options. At NRS, we value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.