Senior Contracts Lawyer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex procurement and contract issues across Council services.
  
  


• Offer specialized legal counsel on:
  
  
  
  • Public Procurement
    
    
  
  
  • Contract Law
    
    
  
  
  • Local Government Powers
    
    
  
  
  • Governance
    
    
  
  
  • Joint Working Arrangements
    
    
  
  
  • Public Sector Partnerships
    
    
  
  


• Draft, negotiate, and finalize a diverse range of commercial contracts and procurement documents.
  
  


• Advise on the procurement of goods, services, and works.
  
  


• Support strategic projects and transformation initiatives.
  
  


• Provide guidance on procurement routes, tender processes, framework agreements, and contract award procedures.
  
  


• Offer legal support for collaborative arrangements with public sector partners.
  
  


• Prepare and review Council policies and governance documents related to procurement and contracts.
  
  


• Keep clients updated on legislative and regulatory changes.
  
  


• Deliver training and guidance to Members, officers, and stakeholders.
  
  


• Advise on Cabinet, Committee, and governance reports.
  
  


• Attend meetings to provide legal advice and support.
  
  


• Prepare instructions for Counsel and attend conferences as needed.
  
  


• Manage relationships with external solicitors and specialist advisors when required.
  
  


• Assist the Chief Legal Officer in developing and managing the contracts workstream.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate.
  
  


• Extensive experience in advising on:
  
  
  
  • Public Procurement Law
    
    
  
  
  • Commercial Contracts
    
    
  
  
  • Local Authority Contracting Arrangements
    
    
  
  


• Comprehensive understanding of:
  
  
  
  • UK Procurement Legislation
    
    
  
  
  • Public Contract Regulations
    
    
  
  
  • Governance
    
    
  
  
  • Administrative Law
    
    
  
  


• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex contract documentation.
  
  


• Experience advising senior officers and stakeholders on procurement strategy and contract management.
  
  


• Experience working on high-value and complex commercial projects.
  
  


• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
  
  


• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in Local Government legal matters.
  
  


• Experience in delivering procurement training.
  
  


• Experience preparing Cabinet and Committee reports.
  
  


• Experience supporting shared services and public sector partnership arrangements.
  
  


• Experience managing external legal advisers and consultants.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £378.73 per day (Umbrella)
  
  


• 3 Month Contract
  
  


• Hybrid Working
  
  


• 1-2 Days Per Week Office Attendance
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to advise on high-profile procurement and commercial projects.
  
  


• Exposure to strategic Local Authority programmes and partnerships.
  
  


• Senior-level role within a dynamic and supportive legal team.