Senior Commercial Contracts Solicitor

Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer - South East Council - £65-70 per hour - Fully Remote

Job Title: Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer
Council: South East Local Authority
Working Pattern: Full-time - Fully Remote
Rate: £65-70 per hour (umbrella)
Duration: 3 months+ (potential for extension)

Venn Group's public sector legal team is working with a South East Local Authority, seeking an experienced Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer to provide high-level legal support on contract transitions and commercial matters. This is a fully remote role, offering flexibility while working on a significant commercial project.

Job Overview:

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the transition and management of a large portfolio of contracts, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process. The role will involve contract drafting, negotiation, and novation, alongside advising stakeholders on strategic approaches to contract management and procurement compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the transition of contracts from an external entity back to the council, ensuring all agreements are legally and operationally sound.
• Work within the council's commercial transition strategy, assessing each contract to determine the most suitable course of action, such as novation, termination, or renegotiation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of contracts, including service agreements, licensing agreements, and supplier contracts.
• Engage with suppliers and service providers, managing communications, addressing queries, and resolving disputes as they arise.
• Provide specialist legal advice on contract law, procurement legislation, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of contract transitions, ensuring compliance with internal governance requirements.
• Supervise and support a temporary paralegal assisting with contract transitions, and provide guidance where necessary.
• Report regularly on project progress, risks, and challenges to senior stakeholders, ensuring smooth delivery within agreed timeframes.
• Identify and document any outstanding work required for contract transition at the project's conclusion.

Requirements:

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEx Legal Executive with significant experience in contract and procurement law.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, drafting, and transition processes, particularly in the public sector.
• Familiarity with procurement legislation and contract management best practices.
• Experience in handling large-scale contract transfers within a complex organisational setting.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

This role is ideal for an experienced contracts and procurement lawyer seeking a high-level project role within a public sector setting. Candidates with relevant commercial legal experience are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

For further details, please contact John Smith at Venn Group:

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Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates. All salaries and PQE ranges stated serve only as a guide, and all applicants will be considered on their individual merits.