Regulatory Lawyer

Job Summary

Are you a sharp, commercially-minded Regulatory Lawyer looking to shape compliance and strategy within a vital infrastructure sector?

Do you have the legal expertise and proactive mindset needed to navigate complex water industry frameworks, from Ofwat guidance to wholesale market rules?

If so, this high-impact role places you at the very heart of our business. Reporting directly to the Head of Strategy and Economic Regulation, you will serve as a trusted advisor across key functions—protecting the business from regulatory risk while championing a strong culture of compliance.

What to expect from our recruitment process:

• Visa Sponsorship: Please note that we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for this role.
• Right to Work: You must provide proof of your Right to Work in the UK during onboarding.
• Background Checks: Any offer of employment from South East Water will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of identity, employment referencing, and DBS checks.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and support to business functions in relation to regulatory obligations and policy, including (i) compliance with water industry legislation, licence conditions, competition law, wholesale market codes, charging rules, (ii) regulatory reporting and (iii) the management of regulatory and compliance risks.
• Working with the Regulation Team and the Developer Services Team, draft the company’s charging documents (indicative charges, wholesale tariff document, wholesale charges document, new connection charging arrangements, infrastructure charges and miscellaneous services charges scheme, household charges scheme, board assurance statements) in accordance with charging rules and keep them up to date to reflect changes in regulatory requirements and advise on the development of new tariffs.
• Working closely with the Company Secretary and the Finance Team, advise on compliance with reporting requirements and contribute to the drafting of annual regulatory narrative reporting (APR including relevant board statements).
• Draft or provide advice on regulated contracts (e.g. bulk supplies, self-lay agreements), standard terms and conditions (e.g. under the wholesale retail code) and related documents.
• Develop detailed legal knowledge of and expertise in the regulatory framework in which the company operates and work proactively with colleagues to keep them informed of developments and promote awareness of and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the company’s processes for compliance with regulatory obligations and regulatory reporting requirements and identify the needs for regulatory support within the business, having regard to developments in regulatory policy and the priorities of Ofwat, other regulators or government. Carry out reviews of processes for compliance with regulatory obligations and regulatory reporting requirements and provide advice on improvements.
• Contribute to the formulation of the company’s position in response to consultations or proposals from regulators or government for changes to the company’s regulatory framework (including amendments to licence conditions, or new rules or guidance).
• Advise on and contribute to change programmes relating to regulatory compliance where required by reforms of the water sector.
• Advise on and contribute to the company’s response to any regulatory enforcement actions and the implementation and compliance with commitments agreed with regulators.

You'll need:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• A relevant law degree or equivalent legal qualification or equivalent demonstrable level of experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and the ability to work effectively with senior executives and Board members.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement in governance practices.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of providing legal advice and identifying and mitigating legal, regulatory and compliance risks in a regulated environment in the water sector (or another regulated industry).

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

Pay: From £70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Snodland ME6 5AH