Job Description

If youxe2x80x99d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.Legal Counsel xe2x80x93 Planning and RegulatoryThis is a unique in-house opportunity for a planning lawyer to join our high performing Legal Team at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies during a once in a lifetime capital investment programme.We are looking for a Legal Counsel with significant experience of planning law (+5 years PQE) and ideally some experience or a real interest in environmental, health and safety and nuclear law. A nuclear or defence background would be preferable but not essential. In-house supervision and regulatory legal training will be provided by the current Legal Team.Legal Counsel xe2x80x93 Planning and Environment Health and SafetyThis is a unique in-house opportunity for a planning lawyer to work within a nuclear licensed operating company during a major investment programme and also to be trained in-house to also become a specialist nuclear licensing and health and safety lawyer. We are looking for a Legal Counsel with significant experience of planning law and a willingness to cover nuclear and health and safety regulation to join our high performing Legal Team at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies. A nuclear or defence background would be preferable but not essential.Location: AWE is a multi-site business operating at Aldermaston, Burghfield, Green Park (Reading) and London. We offer hybrid working, a combination of home and onsite office presence.Salary range: xc2xa380,000 up to xc2xa390,000 for a suitably experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in the areas required for this role.You will be joining the business as the UK government enables us to make a significant investment in our infrastructure through our Infrastructure Programme Delivery team (IPD). This includes two major areas xe2x80x93 the Future Materials Campus (FMC), a series of facilities needed to maintain the UKxe2x80x99s Continuous at Sea Deterrent for years to come, and Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP), which covers upgrades to our non-fissile facilities. We are building a talented team to make the most of these opportunities. Moving to a programmatic way of working is a new approach for AWE and we need someone who is keen to support us as we transform.Your CV will need to demonstrate a good understanding of planning, environment and health and safety law.Your CV will need to demonstrate a good understanding and experience of planning law and ideally also environment and/or health and safety law.A typical day could include:

• Handling a broad legal caseload, including planning law advice and working with our internal and external planning teams, reviewing planning applications and environmental statements and drafting, negotiating and reviewing section 106 agreements and highway agreements, supporting with any planning application consultee responses, appeals, public inquiries and judicial reviews.
• Providing legal advice and support on environmental and health and safety compliance and other regulatory matters, including legal support with our internal investigations and communications with regulators and any enforcement or litigation.
• Supporting strategic legal advice to AWE teams and executives on planning, environmental, health and safety and nuclear laws and regulations.
• Providing legal advice and support on environmental compliance and regulatory matters, including support with internal.Providing legal advice and support on environmental and health and safety compliance and other regulatory matters, including legal support with our internal investigations and communications with regulators.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage legal risks and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analysing legislative and case law developments and considering their effect on the Company.
• Application of legal oversight to complex situations at appropriate levels.

We need you to have:

• Qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
• Strong experience in town and country planning and consenting law.
• Some experience and/or an interest in and willingness to learn environmental, health and safety and nuclear law.
• Strong understanding of Planning Law
• Experience in environmental and H&S is desirable but not key
• A nuclear or defence background would be preferrable but not essential.

We recognise that great people donxe2x80x99t always xe2x80x98tick every boxxe2x80x99. Thatxe2x80x99s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you donxe2x80x99t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, wexe2x80x99d love to receive your application.Some reasons why we think youxe2x80x99ll love it here:

• 9-day working fortnight xe2x80x93 meaning you get every other Friday off work.
• 270 hours holiday
• Market leading defined contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions)
• A truly meaningful role where your hard work supports and delivers with direct positive impact on our mission to keep the nation safe and secure.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.Important things you need to know:

• Interviews will be two stage, both 60 minutes on TEAMs.
• If successful, you will be required to achieve UKSV Developed Vetting which is funded by AWE.

We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during your recruitment journey. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations.Please contact for more info.#LI-SMNext steps:Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people donxe2x80x99t always xe2x80x98tick every boxxe2x80x99. Thatxe2x80x99s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you donxe2x80x99t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, wexe2x80x99d love to receive your application.Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

Atomic Weapons Establishment