Legal Counsel, EMEA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s hyperscalers, cloud service providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and APAC, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands. Vantage’s business is growing exponentially through a combination of greenfield market expansion and acquisitions across North America and Europe.

Position Description

The Legal Counsel, Energy/Power will provide practical, business-focused legal support for Vantage’s energy projects across EMEA. Key duties will include (with support from local external counsel where necessary):

• Developing strong and collaborative working relationships with key internal stakeholders (primarily the Energy Team);
• Understanding energy regulation and connection processes in each of the markets in which Vantage operates/is interested;
• Advising on structuring frequently creative routes to power in a manner which is compliant with local law, energy regulation and Vantage standards and acceptable to future lenders and buyers;
• Advising on and negotiating energy related contracts, including connection agreements, energy supply agreements, PPAs etc;
• Supporting internal stakeholders in engagements with TSOs, (i)DNOs and private distribution network operators;
• Providing energy support to site acquisition, financing and disposal deals;
• Keeping abreast of legal developments across the various markets in which Vantage operates/is interested and supporting the Public Policy team in responding to consultations;
• Supporting the roll-out of and ongoing conformity with group/regional compliance policies covering key regulatory areas;
• Support the legal department in ongoing continuous improvement initiatives and standardisation of working practices across the region; and
• Strategically using and managing external counsel.

Job Requirements

• Solicitor qualified in England and Wales;
• 5+ years of relevant post qualification legal experience preferred, but more junior candidates with comprehensive experience may be considered;
• Energy sector experience, including:
• Experience of structuring power projects;
• Experience of TSO/DNO/iDNOs/private distribution network operator connection processes and contract documentation; and
• Interpreting and advising on power regulation;
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills;
• Proven ability to juggle multiple responsibilities at once and consistently meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Proven ability to work with diverse, cross functional teams;
• Strong communication, negotiation and legal drafting skills. Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Experience of supporting group compliance activities, including developing policies, providing training and monitoring;
• Experience of working on energy projects in other jurisdictions, particularly EMEA, would be beneficial;
• Experience of working in an in-house legal team preferred; and
• Experience of managing external counsel would be beneficial.