About Windward Energy We’re committed to supporting a sustainable world to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. We develop energy infrastructure that will play a part in the transition to net zero. From wind energy to hydrogen, we believe in moving towards tomorrow. Founded in 2018, and based in Edinburgh, we operate a number of green energy companies across the UK. They’re taking on some of the biggest challenges on the journey to net zero: increasing the amount of renewable energy generation; investing in new grid infrastructure to transport green energy to homes and businesses; and developing innovative long duration energy storage solutions. What you can expect as a Windward Colleague Full flexibility with the option to work from home or in the office as needed. Flexitime with the ability to work core hours and take time back in lieu throughout the week. Fridays are allocated as ‘no meeting’ days to ensure down time at the end of the week. 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Private Medical Insurance from day 1 with cover for immediate family including spouse or partner and children, including direct mental health pathways and support. Annual pay review and discretionary bonus up to 25%. Employer pension contributions up to 7%. Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice. Cycle to Work Scheme Tech scheme – discounts on latest technology including laptops, phones ipads for personal use Life assurance cover and income protection. Travel insurance. Suite of enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all the moments that matter. Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers. The Role REPORTS TO: General Counsel As an experienced Legal Counsel with a focus on commercial and consenting practice, you will be supporting the business and its group companies in driving the development of projects forward. You will actively advise on the consenting strategy and pre-empt development risks. You will play a key role in leading, managing and coordinating the delivery of legal advice internally and with external counsel. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high calibre team, a high growth business and play a key role in helping Wales meet its renewable energy targets. The role will be based in Windward Energy’s office in Edinburgh and will require occasional travel within the UK. Main Responsibilities Gate keeper for external legal instructions in connection with planning and consenting. Creating, implementing, and evolving instruction protocols for external legals. Creating, updating and reviewing external legal budgets. Establishing ways of working with market-leading external law firms and managing the relationship with them, ensuring key performance indicators are met, and value for money. Strategic planning and financial management of external legals. Understanding the key challenges in the energy sector and in particular the onshore wind sector and working with the development teams towards securing consent and beyond. Business partnering with the onshore wind business (including co-located technologies). Working closely with the onshore development teams, incorporating legal input and reporting. Propose appropriate legal solutions and implement innovative business and project & programme improvements from a legal perspective. Developed understanding of the legal and regulatory framework the business operates in. Participation in various board committees providing legal and commercial insight to support the relevant mandate, including effective reporting and escalation of issues. Drafting contract templates and assisting with negotiating key terms. Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex and/or bespoke contracts. Monitoring legislation, licensing, policy frameworks and regulations that directly affect the business and industry and ensuring the business understands the regulatory landscape it operates in, is equipped with the right licenses and policies, remains compliant, and is ready for operation. Upskill the business at all levels through advice, guidance and training allowing for more effective day-to-day risk mitigation and legal self-reliance. Legal integration in group’s reports and meeting cycles and executive level engagement. What we look for in return Knowledge & Skills Commercial common sense and ability to be versatile and advise on a range of legal areas. Experience and knowledge in advising on greenfield developments in the renewable energy sector, with good awareness of planning law. Experience in operating within multi–functional project teams, and exposure to senior management and decision making. Knowledge of the UK energy industry or similar. Confidence and professional capability to gain the trust and respect of executives quickly. An ability to continually improve the legal service offering to the onshore business. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Experience & Qualifications 5 years PQE Possess excellent track record of experience in legal roles. Possess excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills. Possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Resilience and ability to adapt to a complex workload. Think pro-actively and be a self-starter. Possess an understanding of opportunities and challenges associated with renewable energy development in Wales What does our culture mean to us and you? At Windward Energy, we are committed to having a workplace that encourages and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. This means taking account of social or personal challenges that some colleagues may face and making available, the right workplace environment, resources and opportunities, which allow all of us at Windward Energy, to THRIVE. Our culture and the way we do things is centered around ‘belonging’. We believe that everyone should be able to be their true authentic self at Windward Energy and encourage this through promoting an inclusive environment which values and encourages different perspectives, thoughts, ideas and backgrounds, to ensure a truly innovative and exciting place to work. We do not accept any discriminatory attitudes or behaviours. Every single colleague and potential colleague who wishes to join us, should feel confident in equality of opportunity and be free from any bullying, discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We hope and encourage all suitably qualified individuals to feel comfortable and energised to join our dedicated team and contribute to the UK’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.