Associate - Procurement and Public Sector

Hugh James; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hugh James in Cardiff is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join the Corporate Commercial team with a focus on procurement and public sector contracts. You will advise clients across public, third and private sectors on a broad range of commercial matters and work with partners and specialists across the firm.

The role involves drafting, negotiating and managing procurement strategies, framework and outsourcing agreements, and supporting major public sector projects.

Qualifications

• Experience as a solicitor in commercial contracts, procurement, public sector projects or a related area.
• Understanding of public procurement principles and the legal framework applying to public sector contracting in England or Wales.
• Strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Confidence to manage your own matters, with appropriate supervision and support.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to client work.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• An interest in helping to grow the team and contribute to wider business development.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to work across teams.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on public procurement law and procedure, including strategy, tender documentation, evaluation, award processes and challenges.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, including services, framework, outsourcing, collaboration, grant and supply arrangements.
• Supporting public sector projects, including regeneration, service delivery, technology, infrastructure and partnerships.
• Advising on contract management, variations, extensions, risk allocation and termination issues.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams across the firm on projects across public, private and third sectors.
• Supporting business development to grow the public sector and procurement practice.
• Building strong client relationships and delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Procurement

Public sector projects

Drafting

Negotiation

Client relationships

Education

Law degree

Job description

We are looking for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join our Corporate Commercial team in Cardiff, with a particular focus on procurement and public sector commercial contracts/projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who enjoys working on varied, high-quality matters and wants to play a key role in developing a growing area of the team.

The role would suit someone with experience in commercial and procurement work, ideally with a strong interest in public sector clients, regulated procurement, outsourcing, grant-funded projects, collaboration arrangements and major service or infrastructure projects.

The role

You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers both in the Corporate Commercial team and in multi-disciplinary teams across the firm, advising clients across the public, third and private sectors on a broad range of commercial and procurement matters.

The work will include:

• advising on public procurement law and procedure, including procurement strategy, tender documentation, evaluation, award processes and procurement challenges;
• drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including services agreements, framework agreements, outsourcing contracts, collaboration agreements, grant agreements and supply arrangements;
• supporting clients on public sector projects, including regeneration, service delivery, technology, infrastructure and partnership arrangements;
• advising on contract management, variations, extensions, risk allocation and termination issues;
• working with colleagues across the firm on multidisciplinary projects, including corporate, property, construction, regulatory and dispute resolution matters;
• supporting business development activity and helping to grow the public sector and procurement practice;
• building strong client relationships and delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice.

About you

We are looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware and keen to develop their profile in this area.

You will ideally have:

• experience as a solicitor in commercial contracts, procurement, public sector projects or a related area;
• an understanding of public procurement principles and the legal framework applying to public sector contracting in England or Wales;
• strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills;
• the confidence to manage your own matters, with appropriate supervision and support;
• a practical, solutions-focused approach to client work;
• excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly;
• an interest in helping to grow the team and contribute to wider business development;
• a collaborative approach and a willingness to work across teams.

Public sector experience would be particularly welcome, although we are also interested in candidates with strong commercial contracts experience who are keen to develop further expertise in procurement and projects.

This is a key appointment for the team and offers genuine scope for progression. You will be joining an established, supportive and highly regarded Corporate Commercial team, with the opportunity to help shape and grow our public sector commercial and procurement offering.

The role will be based in Cardiff, with flexibility in line with the firm’s hybrid working arrangements. You will have access to high-quality work, direct client contact, supportive supervision and the opportunity to develop as a specialist in a growing practice area.

Why Hugh James?

Hugh James is a leading law firm with a strong reputation for delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice. We work with a wide range of clients across Wales and England, including public bodies, private sector organisations, charities, education providers and not-for-profit organisations.

We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a collaborative team, contribute to excellent client service and help us continue to grow our commercial and procurement practice.