At Pennon Group, we’re proud to be leading the way in the water and renewables industries. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power - we’re committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we’ll build a better tomorrow for our communities.

We currently have an opportunity for an In-House Environmental Lawyer to join our Legal team in either Exeter or Bristol. You will receive a competitive salary of £60,000- £70,000pa plus an excellent benefits package.

About the role:

Reporting into the Legal Manager – Environmental, as an In House Environmental Lawyer you will support the business with its ambitious environmental strategies and compliance with the regulatory framework applicable to water companies.

You’ll play a key part in guiding Pennon’s environmental strategy and compliance across our operations. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll advise on complex regulatory and environmental issues, support enforcement and litigation, and help the business navigate a dynamic legal framework.

You will be providing legal advice on regulatory issues impacting the business, supporting environmental litigation, including enforcement, prosecutions, regulatory appeals, judicial review and civil claims. This is a great opportunity and key in advocating for the environmental protection through legal means.

What you will be doing:

- Supporting the business by advising on environmental compliance and regulation
- Advising in connection with environmental permitting, licensing and consents
- Advising on regulatory compliance and enforcement, including environmental prosecutions
- Advising on Enforcement Undertakings
- Advising on access to environmental information and duties under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- Delivering training and mentoring colleagues on environmental issues relevant to the business.

What we are looking for:

- You will be a UK-qualified solicitor with 4+ experience PQE in environmental or regulatory law.
- Excellent communicator able to translate complex legal issues clearly.
- Ability to communicate legal issues and risks in terms that non-legal colleagues can understand
- Advising on Environmental compliance and regulation
- Analytical acumen – strong research and analytical skills to interpret complex legal documents and regulations
- Problem solving – Ability to creatively solve complex legal and environmental issues, balancing legal principles with practical environmental concerns
- Experience working with environmental regulators or within regulated industries would be advantageous.

What's in it for you:

- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.

In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidaysA discretionary BonusCompetitive Contributory PensionShare-save SchemeVarious health benefitsWellbeing support programmesA range of Group DiscountsCycle to Work SchemeFinancial support servicesAnd plenty more!

Closing Date: 20th November 2025

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

South West Water

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In-House Environmental Lawyer