Assistant Procurement Solicitor

Zohorecruit; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/Remote option

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting a qualified solicitor to join their public sector-focused legal team on a 3 month contract with a local authority in Cardiff. The role involves providing high-quality legal advice on procurement, contracts and local government matters, and supporting governance and decision-making processes.

The postholder will manage a varied caseload, draft and negotiate legal documentation, advise officers and members, and represent the Council at courts, tribunals,

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILE with current practising rights.
• Experience advising on public procurement matters and commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of local government law and governance processes.
• Strong drafting, research and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage varied caseload with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice on procurement, contracts and local government law.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts and procurement documents.
• Advise officers and members on procurement legislation and governance.
• Represent the Council at courts, tribunals, mediations and inquiries.
• Identify legal risks and support service delivery and objectives.
• Maintain case records and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Public procurement knowledge

Contract negotiation

Governance and decision-making

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Cardiff, United Kingdom | Posted on 25/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector‑specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice, support and representation to the Council in relation to procurement, contracts and wider local government law matters, ensuring that the Council's activities are conducted lawfully, efficiently and in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The postholder will undertake a varied caseload of procurement, contractual and governance‑related matters, advising officers and members, drafting legal documentation, supporting decision‑making processes and assisting in the delivery of a professional, customer‑focused legal service.

The role requires the ability to demonstrate legal expertise, sound judgement, leadership by example, strong client care skills, and a solution‑focused approach to complex legal issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice and assistance on procurement, contracts and local government law matters.
• Manage a personal caseload of procurement and contractual matters with appropriate supervision where required.
• Advise Council officers, senior managers and members on procurement legislation, contractual issues, governance and decision‑making requirements.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documentation including:
  • Contracts
  • Framework agreements
  • Procurement documentation
  • Call‑off agreements
  • Funding agreements
  • Statutory notices and orders
  • Governance and decision‑making documentation
• Provide legal support throughout procurement exercises and tendering processes.
• Advise on compliance with public procurement legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Support the preparation of reports, Cabinet decisions, delegated authority reports and governance documentation.
• Undertake legal research and provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice.
• Represent the Council where necessary at:
  • Courts
  • Tribunals
  • Mediations
  • Public Inquiries
  • Hearings
  • Meetings with external parties
• Liaise with client departments, external solicitors, counsel, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Identify legal risks and provide pragmatic solutions to support service delivery and corporate objectives.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with Legal Services procedures.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the continuous development of legal processes and templates.
• Keep up to date with developments in procurement law, contract law and local government legislation.
• Support colleagues and share legal knowledge within the wider Legal Services team.
• Deliver legal services in accordance with professional standards, Council policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising rights.
• Experience providing legal advice on:
  • Public procurement matters
  • Commercial contracts
  • Local government law
  • Governance and decision‑making processes
• Experience drafting and negotiating a variety of contractual and legal documents.
• Knowledge of public procurement legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of local government legal frameworks and statutory obligations.
• Strong legal research, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent drafting skills with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and work to competing deadlines.
• Ability to provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make reasoned legal decisions.
• Experience working within a Local Authority Legal Services environment.
• Experience advising on:
  • Procurement exercises
  • Contract management
  • Subsidy control
  • Governance matters
  • Administrative law
• Advocacy experience.
• Experience attending committees, member meetings or decision‑making boards.
• Knowledge of local authority constitutional and governance arrangements.
• Experience working in a politically sensitive environment.

Additional Information

• Working Pattern: Hybrid Working or Fully Remote Considered
• Location: Hybrid or Remote Working Available