Clean Energy Construction Director/Partner

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Clean Energy Construction Director/Partner in Leeds, UK, with 8+ years of PQE. The role involves leading a clean energy construction practice, managing high-value contracts, and advising on complex agreements. The position offers a salary of £95,000 - £120,000 plus bonuses and profit share. Candidates should ideally have an existing client base or a plan for future growth.
Clean Energy Construction Director/Partner
Location: Leeds


Career Level: Director/Partner 8+ PQE


Salary: £95,000 - £120,000 + Bonus + Profit Share (dependent on experience and following)



Lead the Growth of a Leading Clean Energy Construction Practice
Are you an ambitious senior clean energy construction lawyer ready to take on a Director or Partner role and drive growth for one of the UK's largest and most dynamic clean energy practices? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking a Clean Energy Construction Director or Partner with 8+ years' PQE to join their expanding team in Leeds.


This is an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge clean energy construction matters including BESS, solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, and district heating projects. You'll be joining a sector team of approximately 90 lawyers across multiple practice areas, leading high-value transactions for major clean energy developers, investors, and manufacturers.



The Team
The Clean Energy Construction team is part of a wider clean energy sector group comprising approximately 90 lawyers across the firm's 13 offices, including specialists in real estate, corporate, finance, environment, planning, and dispute resolution. The sector also benefits from a dedicated Professional Support Lawyer (PSL) for clean energy.


The team is led by nationally recognised Partners in Bristol, London, and Leeds, working collaboratively across offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, and other locations. The team acts for major clean energy developers, investors, manufacturers, and operators on construction, commercial, and transactional matters.


The firm has established itself as a leading adviser in the clean energy sector, with extensive experience across multiple technologies including BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, and district heating.





The Role
As a Clean Energy Construction Director or Partner, you will work directly with the firm's senior clean energy construction and transactional partners across Bristol, London, and Leeds offices, playing a key leadership role in the continued growth and development of the practice. You will be based in the firm's Leeds office.


Ideally, candidates would have an existing following – but someone who has a clear plan as to how they would help create future growth would also be considered.


You will lead on a diverse range of clean energy construction and commercial matters, supported by a wider sector team of approximately 90 lawyers across multiple practice areas.


Your key responsibilities will include:




Leading and managing complex BESS Supply Agreements (including with major world-renowned BESS manufacturers)




Leading the drafting and negotiation of high-value EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts




Advising on complex O&Ms (Operations and Maintenance agreements) and LTSAs (Long-Term Service Agreements)




Leading negotiation of Component Warranties




Leading clean energy project developments, acquisitions, and disposals




Managing high-value construction, commercial, and transactional matters within the clean energy sector




Advising on projects involving BESS, solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, and district heating




Building, developing, and managing a portfolio of key client relationships




Generating new business and developing an existing following (or implementing a clear growth plan)




Acting as trusted adviser to major clean energy developers, investors, and manufacturers




Leading, mentoring, and developing associates, junior lawyers, and trainees




Contributing to the strategic development and growth of the clean energy construction practice




Leading business development activities, client seminars, and thought leadership initiatives




Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm's 13 offices




Collaborating with specialists in real estate, corporate, finance, environment, planning, and dispute resolution




Representing the firm at industry events and forums




Providing exceptional client service with commercially focused and strategic advice




Contributing to senior management and decision-making within the clean energy sector group




Driving growth and innovation within the clean energy construction practice





About You
Essential Requirements:




8+ years' PQE in construction, commercial, and/or projects experience within the clean energy sector




Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales




Proven track record of leading and managing complex and high-value clean energy construction transactions independently




Strong technical knowledge of construction and commercial contracts within the clean energy sector




Experience within the clean energy sector




Excellent drafting and negotiation skills at the highest level




Strong client relationship management skills with proven ability to act as trusted adviser




Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal




Proven leadership skills with strong track record in mentoring and developing talent




Experience supervising and mentoring associates, junior lawyers, and trainees




Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously




Commercially focused with strategic and pragmatic approach to problem-solving




Strong business development skills with ability to generate and develop client relationships




Team player who works seamlessly across multiple offices




Ability to contribute to senior management and strategic decision-making




Commitment to delivering exceptional client service




Also Welcome to Apply:




Candidates with transactional experience within the clean energy sector




Highly Desirable:




Existing following or portable client base




Clear plan for creating future growth and developing the practice




Extensive experience advising on BESS Supply Agreements (including with major BESS manufacturers)




Extensive experience drafting and negotiating EPC contracts




Extensive experience with O&Ms, LTSAs, and Component Warranties




Extensive experience advising on clean energy project developments, acquisitions, and disposals




Familiarity with multiple technologies including BESS, solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, and/or district heating




Established client relationships and proven track record of business development




Experience contributing to thought leadership, client seminars, and industry publications




Experience in senior management or leadership roles




Strong network within the clean energy sector




Key Attributes:




Ambitious and driven with clear vision for practice growth and development




Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others




Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic thinking and commercial acumen




Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic




Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery




Strategic thinker with ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities




Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment




Confident, articulate, and credible with strong presence




Strong attention to detail and accuracy




Passionate about clean energy, sustainability, and innovation




Commitment to mentoring and developing talent




Ability to work seamlessly across multiple office locations





What's On Offer
Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business.


Benefits include:




Competitive salary: £95,000 - £120,000 (dependent on experience and following)




Bonus scheme




Profit share opportunities (for Partner level)




Director or Partner status with equity opportunities




Key leadership role in growing clean energy construction practice




Award-winning firm with national reputation and continued growth




Part of a sector team of approximately 90 lawyers across multiple practice areas




Lead cutting-edge clean energy construction matters




Diverse technology exposure: BESS, solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, district heating




Work with major world-renowned BESS manufacturers and leading clean energy developers




Senior leadership role with strategic input and decision-making responsibilities




Excellent support for business development and client relationship growth




Opportunity to build and develop your own following




Strong platform for practice growth and development




Collaborative working across 13 UK offices




Support from dedicated clean energy PSL




Work with specialists in real estate, corporate, finance, environment, planning, and dispute resolution




Excellent training and professional development opportunities




Employee awards programme recognising excellent work




Strong focus on employee wellbeing




Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards)




Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard




Modern Leeds office with excellent facilities




Flexible working arrangements available





About Our Client
Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow.


The Clean Energy Construction team is part of a wider clean energy sector group comprising approximately 90 lawyers across the firm's 13 offices, including specialists in real estate, corporate, finance, environment, planning, and dispute resolution. The sector benefits from a dedicated Professional Support Lawyer (PSL) for clean energy.


The team is led by nationally recognised Partners across Bristol, London, and Leeds, working collaboratively with team members in Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, and other locations.


The firm has established itself as a leading adviser in the clean energy sector, with extensive experience across multiple technologies including BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), solar PV, wind, hydro, energy-from-waste, biogas, hydrogen, EV charging infrastructure, and district heating.


The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.


The firm's values are smart, bold, and together, with a commitment to making a positive change at every touchpoint for colleagues, clients, and communities.



Location
This role is based in the firm's Leeds office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly, collaborative team culture.



How to Apply
If you're an ambitious senior clean energy construction lawyer ready to take on a Director or Partner role and drive growth for a leading clean energy practice, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882