Senior Contracts & Procurement Solicitor

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, commercially focused legal advice and support to the Council, its departments, senior officers, elected Members and external clients in relation to commercial contracts, procurement and governance matters.

The postholder will manage a complex caseload, provide pragmatic advice on legal and commercial risks, draft and negotiate contracts, and support the Council in achieving its business objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, procurement requirements and governance procedures.

The role will also contribute to major projects and collaborative arrangements, providing specialist legal and procurement advice and ensuring the Council’s interests are protected.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional, practical and commercially focused legal advice on complex commercial contracts, procurement matters and bespoke commercial arrangements.
  
• Manage a varied and complex caseload involving the procurement and supply of goods, services and works, including construction, IT, engineering, social care, education and public health contracts.
  
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial and procurement documentation, including bespoke and standard-form contracts, ensuring appropriate allocation and mitigation of risk.
  
• Advise on compliance with relevant procurement legislation, the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, subsidy control requirements, governance arrangements and other applicable legal requirements.
  
• Assess legal, commercial and operational risks and provide clear, proportionate advice that supports informed decision-making and the Council’s business objectives.
  
• Participate in project teams and provide legal, governance and procurement input to major projects, shared services, collaborative arrangements and other strategic initiatives.
  
• Prepare and approve reports and provide legal and procedural advice to the Executive, Committees, Sub-Committees, Members and senior officers on complex matters.
  
• Monitor relevant legislation, regulations, case law and legal developments and advise clients on their impact, including delivering training or briefings where appropriate.
  
• Ensure appropriate approvals, funding and procurement governance requirements have been obtained and assist departments in achieving compliance.
  
• Instruct and manage external legal advisers or Counsel where specialist advice is required, ensuring value for money and effective delivery.
  
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior solicitors, trainees and legal officers within the team.
  
• Contribute to the development of efficient and economical working practices and support corporate, interdepartmental and cross-service projects as required.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Admitted Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX qualified in England; solicitors must hold or be able to obtain a current practising certificate.
  
• Minimum 6 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE).
  
• Significant experience providing legal advice on public procurement, commercial contracts and governance matters.
  
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including contracts relating to areas such as construction, IT and social care.
  
• Thorough knowledge of commercial contracts, public procurement and local government law and procedure.
  
• Knowledge and practical understanding of procurement legislation, governance requirements and collaborative procurement arrangements involving public bodies.
  
• Knowledge of GDPR and its implications for public sector commercial contracts.
  
• Ability to identify, assess and clearly communicate legal, commercial and operational risks.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand clients’ business needs and provide practical, solutions-focused advice.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with Members, officers, contractors, public bodies and other stakeholders.
  
• Ability to manage a complex and high-profile caseload with minimal supervision and effectively prioritise competing demands.
  
• Ability to draft clear, accurate and commercially appropriate legal documentation.
  
• Ability to work effectively as part of project teams and across different Council departments.
  
• Ability to plan, organise and manage workload within broad guidelines.
  
• Competent ICT skills, including word processing, case management systems and databases.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of equality issues and relevant legislation.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a Local Authority or other public sector organisation.
  
• Experience of Local Authority constitutional law and governance.
  
• Knowledge of property and planning law.
  
• Experience advising on major or high-value public sector projects and contracts.
  
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior legal professionals.
  

Additional Information

• Hours: 20 hours per week
  
• Location: Luton Council - Hybrid / Council offices
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly payments