Legal Counsel (Property & Planning)

Overview

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to  7 % and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:

A full list of our benefits can be found here  https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

The salary for this role is £64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire

For more information on UKFE, visit:  https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

The closing date for this advert is set for the 12th October 2026.

As Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting the full lifecycle of UKFE's property, land and infrastructure activities. From strategic land assembly and acquisitions through to development agreements, planning support and estate management matters, you'll provide practical legal solutions that help drive programme success.

You will act as a trusted adviser to internal stakeholders, supporting major projects, negotiating complex agreements and helping establish legal frameworks, governance processes and best practice as UKFE continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice on property, land, planning and infrastructure matters.
• Partner with colleagues across Property, Programme Delivery, Commercial, Engineering and Corporate Services.
• Identify legal risks and opportunities, offering practical and proportionate solutions.
• Support decision-making on significant property, development and infrastructure projects.
• Manage external legal advisers where specialist expertise is required.
• Advise on land acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences and related property transactions.
• Support strategic land assembly and development projects from inception through delivery.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of property and development agreements.
• Advise on title matters, land rights, access arrangements and development constraints.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to facilitate successful infrastructure delivery.
• Support property and land aspects of planning and consenting processes.
• Draft and negotiate leases, easements, wayleaves and access agreements.
• Advise on landlord and tenant matters, rights over land and utility-related issues.
• Deliver legally robust solutions that enable programme objectives and long-term estate requirements.
• Identify and manage legal risks associated with property, planning and infrastructure matters.
• Support governance and decision-making processes for significant projects and transactions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, internal policies and delegated authorities.
• Assist with disputes, claims and other property-related legal matters.
• Contribute to the development of legal templates, guidance and governance frameworks.
• Build strong relationships across UKFE and with external stakeholders, including government bodies, landowners and delivery partners.
• Communicate legal advice clearly and effectively to both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Support knowledge sharing, training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help shape efficient legal processes and ways of working across the organisation.

Strategic Legal Advice

Land Acquisition & Development

Planning, Estates & Infrastructure

Legal Risk & Governance

Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement

About You

We're looking for a qualified legal professional with si