Senior Contracts & Procurement Lawyer

Job Title: Senior Contracts & Procurement Lawyer
Department: Legal & Governance
Team: Contracts & Procurement Legal Services
Location: Ilford, London
Reports to: Principal Legal Advisor – Contracts & Commercial

Role Purpose

To deliver high-quality, strategic legal advice and support on matters relating to contracts, procurement, and commercial law. The postholder will lead complex legal projects, ensure compliance with procurement regulations, and support commissioning and contract management functions.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice & Support

• Provide expert legal guidance on public procurement, contract law, and commercial arrangements.
• Draft, negotiate, and review complex contracts including framework agreements, service level agreements, and joint ventures.
• Advise on procurement strategy, risk management, and compliance with UK procurement legislation and internal governance.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and other relevant legislation.
• Support internal audit and risk management processes related to procurement and contracting.

Project Leadership

• Lead legal input into major procurement and commercial projects.
• Represent Legal Services on cross-functional working groups and project boards.

Training & Development

• Deliver training sessions on contract law, procurement procedures, and legal risk management.
• Mentor junior legal professionals within the team.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or legal executive eligible to practice in England & Wales.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in contracts and procurement law, preferably within the public sector.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and advise senior stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• In-depth understanding of public sector governance and procurement frameworks.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build effective relationships.

Desirable

• Experience in local government legal services.
• Familiarity with social care, construction, or IT contracts.

Additional Information

• Working Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working arrangements available).
• Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and professional development support.
• Safeguarding: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children.

To apply, please get in touch with your CV and details of your salary expectations and notice period.