Legal Director - Retail

Ofgems legal function sits in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The OGC is responsible for the provision of all legal advice and management of all legal risk required by OFGEM and its governing body the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority and for managing the organisations exposure to legal risk.

The energy sector is going through an unprecedented transformation to a net zero and data-enabled future. You will be joining Ofgem OGC with a number of significant policy and legal matters all under development at a time of increasing change in the energy sector.

The OGC supports Ofgems activities through hubs focused on several areas. This Legal Director role will specifically be for: Retail and Consumers

Further information on the specific roles is available in the candidate pack 

The work is interesting, intellectually challenging and varied, you will be involved in advising on a wide range of public law issues in a regulatory context. We will tailor the role according to your skills and experiences. You will enjoy the role if you are a lawyer who is pragmatic and solutions driven, can manage competing demands and deliver at pace to provide advice to policy colleagues at all levels.

Ofgem is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of open and fair competition, merit and business need.

The Director of Retail Legal and their Team provide advice primarily to the Markets Portfolio, particularly in relation to consumer protection and retail markets. Work includes standing charges, affordability, debt and the price cap. Teams deal with both litigation and advisory matters in respect of the Markets Portfolio. We welcome candidates with experience in regulation, energy pricing or consumer protection.

The Director of Retail Legal post reports directly to the General Counsel (GC) and will work as part of the Leadership Team for the Office of General Counsel as well as being part of the wider Director leadership of Ofgem. The Office of the General Counsel consists of a team of approximately 120, with four Legal Directors (SCS2) and two Deputy Directors (SCS1) reporting directly to the GC.

The Legal Directors are responsible for the strategic leadership of the General Counsel functions alongside the GC. They are also responsible for all legal leadership in their teams areas as well as providing individual advice to senior internal clients at Director and Director General level. This role will lead a team of approximately 25 legal professionals to deliver high-quality legal services, enable Ofgem to achieve its priorities and support and motivate the delivery of Ofgems Multi Year Strategy.

Key Accountabilities

Accountable for the delivery of high-quality legal services in their team to ensure successful delivery of Ofgem's priorities in line with PACT and the Multi Year Strategy.

• A high degree of accountability to the GC for strategic delivery of legal projects, legal risk management and mitigations.
• Analyse and manage all aspects of legal risk to ensure Ofgem makes the most effective use of its legal powers for the benefit of consumers.
• Lead large legal teams, empowering individuals and making decisions within specific areas of responsibility as well as collectively in the GC leadership team.
• Operate with regularity and propriety in line with public sector duties and associated Civil Service codes of conduct, including duties in managing public finance.
• Promote and practise equality and fairness across the organisation, role modelling exceptional behaviours and leadership.
• Provide clear strategic direction, defining priorities across the legal and governance function.
• As a member of the GC Leadership team, contribute effectively to legal leadership in Ofgem.
• As a member of the Director cadre of Ofgem, demonstrate an inclusive and engaging style of leadership internally and externally, promoting Ofgem as a great place to work.
• Represent Ofgem externally, principally on legal matters, and manage Ofgems relationship with relevant stakeholders.
• Prioritise resources to the highest priority or highest risk matters and be accountable for those decisions as well as on legal matters and ensure robust decision-making frameworks across Ofgem.

Key Corporate responsibilities

• Contribute to development of Ofgems strategic programmes and partner with senior leadership teams to deliver them.
• Represent Ofgem across Government, UK regulatory networks and the energy sector.
• Lead the portfolio in line with Ofgems operating model, supporting strategic workforce planning and flexible deployment decisions to meet strategic priorities.
• Support Ofgems Professions model, providing professional mentoring, development, leadership and thought across the role holders relevant professional disciplines.

Key Stakeholder Relationships

• Directors, Directors General and senior leaders across the organisation
• Government, in particular DESNZ
• Energy sector stakeholders and other thought leaders
• Consumer bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations

Essential Criteria:

Strategic and inclusive leadership:Background and knowledge in strategic leadership. A collaborative leader who builds effective cross-team relationships, creates an inclusive environment and ensures the delivery of high performance in their teams.

Legal Leadership:Extensive senior-level legal experience as a qualified solicitor or barrister, gained across the public and/or private sectors. Significant experience of leading large legal teams and collective leadership of a legal function.

Senior-level advice and influence:Experience of working with Boards and senior officials and making a positive impact, providing direct support and legal advice to a range of senior stakeholders, taking an open and constructive approach and making well-informed decisions when necessary.

Effective communication:Highly credible communication skills, both in writing and in person, with experience of building strong stakeholder relationships both internally and externally, high emotional intelligence and engendering trusted relationships that achieve buy-in and commitment.

Commercial and public-sector awareness:Professional knowledge and experience evidencing an understanding of regulation and consumer priorities within a commercial and/or public body.