Job Description

Principal Solicitor (Commercial and Construction)
Farringdon | Personal Contract | Full-time | Hybrid
Competitive pension scheme - Enhanced maternity/paternity pay - Life assurance - HolidayPlus - Cycle2work Scheme & more
REQ5122
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Solicitor to lead SGN's legal support on all commercial and construction matters. This is a key senior role within our Legal team, managing a team of three lawyers, reporting directly to the Legal Director, and working closely with senior business stakeholders.
The successful candidate will combine deep legal expertise with strong commercial acumen, ensuring that legal support is pragmatic, delivery-focused, and aligned to SGN's business priorities.
We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here's how you will contribute...

• Lead, develop, and manage a team of 3 lawyers, providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Act as a senior point of contact within the Legal team for commercial and construction matters.
• Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of commercial contracts, projects, and procurement matters.
• Lead legal support for construction matters, with a focus on non-contentious construction (drafting, negotiating, and advising on construction contracts, frameworks, and related agreements).
• Provide support on contentious construction matters, including dispute avoidance and management.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business, ensuring legal input is proactive, pragmatic, and commercially aligned.
• Advise on risk management, compliance, and governance matters.
• Work collaboratively with external legal counsel where required, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.

What you will need

• You will be a qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience (PQE 8+ preferred, though all levels will be considered).
• You will have demonstrated expertise in commercial and construction law, with strong experience in non-contentious construction and ideally some exposure to contentious matters.
• You will have a proven ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• You will bring strong leadership and team management experience, or show clear evidence of readiness to step into a leadership role.
• You will possess excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience gained in-house and/or in private practice, with exposure to large infrastructure, utilities, or energy projects, will be highly desirable.

Not sure you meet every requirement?
Research shows some people - particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
If this role interests you but you're not sure you tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. You might be just who we're looking for - now or in the future.
Why SGN?
SGN is a leader in pioneering research and development toward a net-zero energy system. Our cutting-edge technologies and innovative thinking are driving change in the gas industry, all while keeping people safe and warm.
If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.
span id="youtube"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q_sWyz7KEI
/span

Skills Required