About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest-growing data centre provider which owns, designs, builds and operates the country’s most efficient and flexible data centres.

In May 2023 we announced our plans to expand into continental Europe, with our first data centre due to open in Berlin in 2026, to be quickly followed by two full campuses and expansion into other countries in the pipeline.

Our purpose is to serve humanity by being an active, positive participant in the 4th Industrial Revolution. When we talk about our purpose, we refer to our customers’ customers; the child playing a computer game, the person watching their favourite movie, booking a medical appointment, a plane ticket, a hotel or doing their online banking; those things can’t be done if we don’t do our job.

Our mission is to consistently exceed the expectations of customers through innovative, high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers with positive attitudes who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.

We value individual endeavour and initiative and encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise are VIRTUS’ greatest strengths.

Job Summary

Senior Legal Counsel EMEA will play the pivotal role in contracting for the development of multiple data centre sites across multiple European jurisdictions. The position requires an experienced Construction Lawyer to join our legal team.

The successful candidate will provide legal support to the construction, engineering, and operations teams, work closely with external counsel in all aspects of construction-related matters for our data centre projects, and be an integral part of the VIRTUS legal team supporting all business areas. This role requires a strong understanding of construction law, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution and the ability to instruct and manage external legal counsel. The individual must be ready and willing to work in a dynamic and expanding business.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting and Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including construction contracts, subcontractor contracts, professional service appointments, and plant and M&E procurement contracts. Ensure terms are favorable and align with company standards and industry regulations.
• Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice on construction law, regulatory compliance, risk management, and best practices for data centre projects.
• Dispute Resolution: Manage and resolve disputes related to construction projects, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Collaborate with external counsel as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting construction projects, including zoning, building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
• Risk Management: Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Conduct risk assessments and provide guidance on insurance and indemnity provisions.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and other stakeholders to ensure legal considerations are integrated into all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Document Management: Maintain organized records of all contracts, correspondence, and legal documents related to construction projects.
• External Counsel: Work closely with external counsel across all jurisdictions on all of the above as required.

What success looks like in 12 months’ time:

Working with the engineering and construction team, and other relevant stakeholders, including external counsel, to be successfully managing the legal side of the VIRTUS construction projects, and to ensure VIRTUS has consistent, market standard suite of construction contracts.

To have demonstrated professional acumen, diligence and initiative in the role, as success will be achieved by a proactive approach in liaising with relevant departments.

To have formed good working relationships with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

Person Specification

• Holds an SRA practicing certificate with the right to practice as a solicitor and provide legal services to clients in England and Wales
• Minimum of 5 years PQE as a construction lawyer.
• Initiative, organisational skills, and motivation to meet all deadlines including being able to prioritise to cope with fluctuations in workload.
• Strong knowledge of UK construction law and related regulations.
• Knowledge of FIDIC contracts would be advantageous.
• Experience of construction management and design and build projects.
• Experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable with exposure to senior management, Board of Directors, and shareholders.
• Experience in Germany, Spain, and Italy jurisdictions would be advantageous.
• Previous experience within the data centre industry would be advantageous.

In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid role, with weekly travel into central London required and some occasional international travel may be required.

Remuneration package and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Private healthcare
  
• Eye and dental care benefit
• Discretionary bonus
• Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Annual travel card loan
• Tech Scheme
• Electric car scheme
• Workplace extras - Beyond card and Extras discount
• Pension contribution scheme

VIRTUS is an equal-opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.