Job Description

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?

For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK\xe2\x80\x99s ultimate deterrent \xe2\x80\x93 Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.

It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?

We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our team at AWE specialising in public procurement and commercial law.

Location: Hybrid and flexible working. Our offices are based in West Berkshire, but for a suitable candidate we would consider remote working solutions.

Salary: Starting at \xc2\xa357,540, this is very much open to negotiation

AWE has been voted one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK again this year. So, when you work with us, you can take advantage of a great package of benefits and development opportunities on top of your salary including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Every other Friday off (AWE works a 9-day fortnight, so the site is closed every other Friday)
• Generous pension contributions of between 9% and 13% (defined contribution on your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Flexible working arrangements can be considered so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle
• Excellent personal development opportunities including annual membership to relevant professional bodies, training and mentoring
• Everyday spending discounts \xe2\x80\x93 access to savings on a wide range of shops and services exclusive to AWE employees
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family

You can find out more about our benefits

AWE is one of the newest public bodies in England, having become a Non-Departmental Public Body wholly owned by the Ministry of Defence in 2021. We are searching for a Legal Counsel that can help support our ambitious commercial programme following our entry into the public sector. You will have a good understanding of public procurement law and experience in guiding public sector organisations through their supply chain engagement and governance commitments alongside general commercial acumen.

Requirements for the role would include:

• Operating as a Subject Matter Expert to AWE on compliance with its obligations under the public procurement regulations.
• Supporting AWE\xe2\x80\x99s Supply Chain Management team in the placing and management of high value commercial contracts, including complex capital and infrastructure contracts.
• Assisting AWE in navigating its governance and stakeholder engagement both within the business and with Central Government.
• Providing strategic advice to AWE teams and executives in planning out complex future projects.
• Providing and organising training and process development to the wider business on public procurement and public law compliance; including helping our organisation prepare for the implementation of the upcoming Procurement Bill.
• Working with external advisors to provide advice on specialist areas of commercial and regulatory interest, including subsidy control, export control and real estate transaction.
• Analysing legislative and case law developments and considering their effect on the Company.

What\xe2\x80\x99s exciting is: This role provides an opportunity to play a key role in the development of one of the UK\xe2\x80\x99s most unique and strategically important infrastructure programmes in a dynamic and innovative legal team.

We would like you to demonstrate or have experience of:

• Currently practicing as a solicitor or barrister in at least one jurisdiction within the UK of at least 4 years Post Qualification Experience.
• Experience in advising public bodies on commercial contracts and infrastructure projects, preferably with experience in dealing with internal and central government governance processes.
• Working knowledge of English law \xe2\x80\x93 particularly public procurement law
• Application of legal oversight to complex situations at appropriate levels
• Experience of working in the defence and nuclear sectors is not a requirement but would be helpful for the role.
• Knowledge of the Defence and Security Public Contract Regulations 2011 and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 would be helpful.
• Detailed knowledge of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 is a core requirement.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter highlighting any relevant skills and experience for this job, giving us a clear view of what you can bring to the role and also why you want to work with the team here at AWE.

You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain Security/ Developed Vetting Clearance (funded by the AWE) in order to start with us in this role. It can take several months for clearance to come through.

This job role is suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (your permanent duty station) and working from home as a personal choice. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Important things you need to know:

• We will shortlist and update you on your application by the end of September.
• Interviews will be scheduled between 5th to 12th during working hours
• Interviews will be 90 minutes on TEAMS and will include a 5-to-10-minute presentation

If we receive an exceptionally high level of applications, this vacancy may close early. So don\xe2\x80\x99t prevaricate, refresh your CV and covering letter and apply now!

For more information about the role or the recruitment process, get in touch with me (Sunflower) at:

Or drop me a DM at

(Sorry agencies \xe2\x80\x93 we don\xe2\x80\x99t outsource our roles)

#LI-SM

Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

Atomic Weapons Establishment